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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 6^ 

/ OF 

ENGAGED IN THE 

War Against the Rebellion of 1861. 




Coutaiiiiiig all the Siograpliies of the first isisue, and also the Sketches of Uens. 
IIoTc>, Kirk, Ross, Stuart and Morgan; Cols. Densiis, Turner, Boswortta, 
Thrush, Bartlesoii, and Rafien. 



^•'2' J-A.S. GJ-n-A^HSTT "WT I 3L. s o :^x. 



CHICAGO: 

^V^ JAIVXES BURNET, ISO L^4.KE STUKET 

I J X863 









« O V. YATES. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 



ILLINOIS OFFICERS 



ENGAGED IN THE WAR 



AGAINST THE EEBELLION OF 1861. 



BY JAMES GRANT WILSON. 



Vixere fortes ante Agamemnona 
Multi: sed omnes illacrimabiles 
Urguentur ignotique longa 

Nocte, carent quia yate sacro. 



ILLUSTRATED WITH PORTRAITS. 




f^ CHICAGO: 
JAMES BARNET, 189 LAKE STREET. 
1862. 



t- >bo6 



tr 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by 

JAMES BARNET, 

In the Clerk't Office of the District Court of the United States for the 
Northern District of Illinois. 



THIS VOLUME 

OF 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE LEADERS OF REGIMENTS, 

OF WHOM ILLINOIS IS SO JUSTLY PROUD, 
IS KE8PKCTFULLT DEDICATED TO 

F. J. T. 



/ 



Each soldier's name 
Shall shine untarnished on the rolls of fame, 
And stand the example of each distant age, 
And add new lustre to the historic page. 

Dayid Humphrkts. 

En avant! Marchons 
Contre leur canons! 
A travers le fer, le feu des battaillons 
Courons a la victoire! 

Casimir dk la Viqnb. 



Sound the clarion, fill the fife, 
To all the sensual world proclaim — 

One crowded hour of glorious life 
Is worth an age without a name. 

Sir Walter Scott. 



To the hero, when his sword 

Has won the battle of the free, 
Death's voice sounds like a prophet's word; 
And in its hollow tones are heard 

The thanks of millions yet to be, 

Fitz-Greemk Hallkck. 



Let fame that all hunt after in their liyes, 
Live register'd upon our brazen tombs, 
And then grace us in the disgrace of death; 
When spite of cormorant devouring Time, 
Th' endeavor of this present breath may buy 
That honour, which shall bate his scythe's keen edge, 
And make us heirs of all eternity. 

William Shakbpkrb. 



Patriots have toiled, and in their country's cause 
Bled nobly; and their deeds, as they deserve, 
Receive proud recompense. We give in charge 
Their names to the sweet lyre. The historic Muse, 
Proud of the treasure, marches with it down 
To latest times ; and Sculpture, in her turn. 
Gives bond in stone and ever-during brass 
To guard them, and to immortalize her trust. 

William Cowpbr. 



O courage! there he comes; 

What ray of honor round about him looms! 

O, what new beams from his bright eyes do glance! 

O princely port ! presageful countenance 

Of hap at hand ! He doth not nicely prank 

In clinquant pomp, as some of meanest rank, 

But armed in steel ; that bright habiliment 

Is his rich valor's sole rich ornament. 

Joshua Sylvestkr. 



Like the desolating locust cloud, 

The spoilers blight the plains, 
And the blaze of Freedom's sun they shroud 

With carnage, blood and chains; 
Like the rush of the mountain cataract, 
The patriot warriors shall bear them back. 

How manhood spurns at the name of slave, 
When roused from slavery's dream; 

How nerved the arm that wields each glaive 
With vengeance in its gleam. 

While thickly the autocrat's savage hordes 

Are sinking beneath their chivalrous swords! 
William Wilsom. 



(M- 



CONTENTS. 



PAQE. 

ATKINS, SMITH D 98 

BAKER, EDWARD D 35 

BANE, MOSES M 39 

BARNES, MYRON S 32 

BELL, JOSEPH W 39 

BRACKETT, ALBERT G 79 

BRAYMAN, MASON 30 

BUFORD, NAPOLEON B 21 

CAMERON, DANIEL, Jr 28 

CARLIN, WILLIAM P 26 

CARR, EUGENE A 46 

CHETLAIN, AUGUSTUS L 31 

COOK, JOHN 99 

CUMMING, GILBERT W 64 

CUSHMAN, WILLIAM H. W 72 

DAVIS, JOHN A 102 

DICKEY, T. LYLE 78 

DOUGHERTY, HENRY 103 

ELLIS, EDWARD F. W 34 

Xf ELLSWORTH, E. ELMER 61 

GRANT, ULYSSES S 12 

GREUSEL, NICHOLAS, Jb 41 

HALL, CYRUS 75 

HARRIS, THOMAS W 66 

HOUGH, ROSELLE M 43 

HUNTER, DAVID 81 

HURLBUT, STEPHEN A 93 

JENKINS, DAVID P 100 

KELLOGG, WM. PITT 77 

KNOBELSDORFF, CHARLES 40 

LOGAN, JOHN 38 

LOGAN, JOHN A 96 

LOOMIS, JOHN M 48 

McARTHUR, JOHN - 18 

McCLERNAND, JOHN A 83 

MARSH, C. CARROLL 45 

MORO, FRANCIS 37 

MULLIGAN, JAMES A 26 

OGLESBY, RICHARD J 104 

OSBORN, THOMAS 68 



OZBURN, LINDORF. 



yi CONTENTS. 

PAINE, ELEAZER A 1^ 

PALMER, JOHN M ^^ 

POPE, JOHN ^ 

POST, P. SIDNEY '* 

PRENTISS, BENJ. M I* 

RAITH, JULIUS - ^-^ 

RANSOM, THOMAS E. G ^ 

ROBERTS, GEORGE W • - 20 

SCHOFIELD, JOHN M - ^^ 

SHERMAN, FRANCIS T 1*^ 

SHIELDS, JAMES ^^ 

STARRING, FRED. A 80 

STEWART, WARREN 101 

TRUE, JAMES M 24 

TURCHIN, JOHN B — •• 69 

WALLACE, WM. H. L - ^^ 

WEBSTER, JOSEPH D *7 

WHITE, JULIUS 77 

WYMAN, JOHN B - - ** 

YATES, RICHARD ^ 

APPENDIX. 

WAR DEPARTMENT OF ILLINOIS If® 

I 

LIST OF COLONELS OF ILLINOIS REGIMENTS 106 



LIST OF PORTRAITS. 



GOVBBWOK YATES. 
GxBZBAi. BUFORD. 

" GRANT. 

« HUNTER. 

" McARTHUR. 
• " McCLERNAND- 

" POPE. 

" PRENTISS. 
CoLOKSL BAKER. 

" BARNES. 

" BRACKETT- 



COLONEL BRAYMAN. 

" CARLIN. 

" CUSHMAN. 

" GREUSEL. 

" HARRIS. 

" HOUGH. 

" LOGAN. 

" KELLOGG. 

" MORO. 

" OSBORN. 

" SHERMAN. 



BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES 



ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



OOV. STATES. 




^HEN the story of the War against 
the Rebellion of 1861 passes into 
History, the records of the soldiers 
'^3^^^ of Illinois will prove to be as rich 
in deeds of daring and heroism as 
any page in the annals of the Revo- 
lution, and their names will live in the alFec- 
tionate remembrance of their countrymen "to 
the last syllable of I'ecorded time." What 
loyal dweller therein can look abroad over 
the faithful States, and not feel a flush of 
pride, that he can at least claim Illinois as 
the home of his adoption, if not the place of 
his birth, content to share her fortunes and 
the fame of her noble sons who, with 
"Nerves of steel and hearts of oak," 
have driven back the enemy on every battle- 
field where they have met. She has furnished 
for the war five Major Generals, seventeen 
Brigadier Generals, and one hundred and 
fifty-four Colonels of the regular and volun- 
teer service, many of whom won their posi- 
tions by gallantry on the battle-fields of Mill 
Spring, Belmont, Wilson's Creek, Pea 
Ridge, New Madrid, Donelson, Island No. 
10, Shiloh, Iuka, Corinth and the Hatchie. 
Prominent among the heroes of the day, 
stands our noble Governor and Commander- 
in-Chief, Richard Yates, who, although he 
has visited the tented field only to carry aid 
and words of cheer to our sick and wounded, 
has acted well his part, and by his untiring 
and patriotic efforts, has contributed no less 



to the glory and renown of Illinois than the 
chieftains who have led her invincible legions 
"amid sheeted fire and flame." With their 
names, his will stand high upon her roll of 
honor of "brave men and worthy patriots, 
dear to God, and famous to all ages." 

Richard Yates was born in Warsaw, Gal- 
latin county, Kentucky, January 18th, 1815. 
In 1831, his father removed with his family 
to Illinois, and settled in Springfield. The 
old gentleman and others of the family still 
reside in Sangamon county, and are highly 
esteemed in social life, and as successful and 
upright men of business. During the time 
that Richard went to the schools in that city, 
John Calhoun, over whom he was in maturer 
life elected to Congress, was one of his teach- 
ers. After leaving school, he retired to Island 
Grove, in Sangamon county, where he en- 
gaged for a short time in industrial pursuits. 
He then went to Jacksonville, entei-ed the 
college there, and became, in 1837, the first 
graduate of that ably-conducted institution. 
Yielding to the advice of Gov. Duncan, and 
other friends, who saw in his fine abilities 
the promise of great usefulness, he determined 
to make Jacksonville his residence, and there 
commenced the study of the law in the oflice 
of Col. John J. Hardin. It was not long be- 
fore he was admitted to the bar, and at once 
entered upon extensive and successful prac- 
tice in his profession. He found time, how- 
ever, to engage frequently in the great poll- 



8 



SKETCHES OP ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



tical discussions of the time, to ■which he was 
often invited, and from which, as an ardent 
Whig and passionate admirer of the principles 
and illustrious life of Henry Clay, he could not 
withhold himself. He soon became one of the 
leading champions of the Whig policy, and in 
1842, being nominated by his party for the 
State Legislature, he was triumphantly elected. 
This was a remarkable success, Morgan county 
being at that time largely Democratic, and Mr. 
Yates being the only Whig chosen. Morgan 
county was then entitled to four representa- 
tives, and Mr. Yates took his seat (the young- 
est member, if I mistake not, of the House) 
with three Democratic colleagues. He nobly 
sustained himself, and at the expiration of his 
term, in 1844, was re-elected by a largely in- 
creased majority, and carried with him to the 
succeeding sessions of the Legislature three 
Whig colleagues. In 1848, Morgan county 
being entitled to only two representatives, he 
was again chosen by a still increased majority. 
His course in the Legislature evinced great 
judgment, firmness and ability, and his con- 
stituents in Jacksonville were much indebted 
to his tact and management for those legisla- 
tive favors for which they are so grateful. 

Such was the character for firmness, energy, 
capacity and eloquence which Mr. Yates had 
established in and out of the Legislature, and 
such was his unbounded popularity, that in 
1850, a convention of the Whig party of his 
district, which then extended from Morgan 
and Sangamon counties north to Lasalle, nomi- 
nated him by acclamation for Congress. This 
convention was presided over by Hon. Francis 
Arenz, of Cass, that able and gallant German 
citizen, who, though now deceased, will always 
be remembered with love and honor by those 
who knew him. The Democratic candidate 
was Major Thomas L. Harris, of Menard, who, 
two years before, had been elected to Congress 
from the same district over another Whig com- 
petitor, and who, in addition to great ability, 
enjoyed the well earned reputation of an ofiicer 
of a brave Illinois regiment, which in the war 
with Mexico had greatly distinguished itself 
in the battle of Cerro Gordo. 

The contest between these two young men 
will long be remembered by the people of that 
district, the candidates speaking in almost 
every precinct of the district. The result of 
a most active and persevering canvass, by the 



friends of both parties, was Mr. Yates' election 
by a triumphant majority. Entering upon 
his Congressional duties, the youngest member, 
it is believed, of the House of Representatives, 
and the only Whig representative from Illinois, 
before the end of the first session, by his able 
speeches in defence of Western interests, in 
favor of rivers and harbors, and of the Home- 
stead bill, and by his prompt and indefatigable 
attention to the business of his constituents 
in Congress and in the Departments, a vast 
amount of which, coming from all parts of the 
State, devolved upon him as being the only 
Whig member from Illinois, he had secured a 
high position in Congress, and acquired such 
strength at home, that he began to be consid- 
ered invincible. It was during the first or 
second session of this Congress that he se- 
cured, what no representative before or since 
has done, an appropriation of thirty thousand 
dollars for the improvement of the Illinois 
river. 

In the meantime, the Legislature of Illinois 
bad redistricted the State, and Mr. Yates was 
thrown into a new district, composed mostly 
of new counties, and overwhelmingly Demo- 
cratic. The Democratic party nominated, as 
its candidate, John Calhoun, Esq., then re- 
garded as the ablest and most popular man 
of his party in the district. The Whig con- 
vention nominated Mr. Yates. His friends 
looked upon success as almost hopeless. Mr. 
Yates, however, entered upon the canvass with 
characteristic ardor, and a determination to 
win, and he was again chosen by a large 
majority. 

It was during his second term that the 
great question of the repeal of the Missouri 
Compromise came before Congress. Mr. 
Yates, although a Southern man, and repre- 
senting for the most part a constituency 
coming from slave States, did not hesitate. 
He was among the first to denounce the 
measure as subversive of the national tran- 
quility and reviving the troublous sectional 
agitation which had been calmed by the 
patriotic self-devotion of Clay and Webster ; 
and his eloquent speech on the subject was 
pronounced by the Republican press through- 
out the country a masterly effort, and secured 
for him a national reputation. I quote a 
single paragraph from this speech, to show 
how truly and graphically he prophetically 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



9 



predicted the consequences which have fol- 
lowed that disturbing and unstatesmanlike 
measure : 

"This will be no party measure. The 
great enormity of its introduction into our 
national councils is, that it tends to make two 
parties, divided not as heretofore, but by 
geographical lines, — a Northern party and a 
Southern party. This is the most fearful 
aspect of the case. This is what Washington, 
in his Farewell Address, warned his country- 
men to guard against and discountenance. 
TVho can foresee the malignity and bitterness 
of the strife which is to ensue ? Who can 
foretell its termination?" 

In 1854, Mr. Yates was again brought for- 
ward as a candidate for re-election against 
Major Harris, whom he had formerly beaten 
among a different constituency. In conse- 
quence of his course on the Nebraska bill, 
and his strong denunciations of the author of 
that measure, his opponents resolved to defeat 
him at all hazards. Well knowing that the 
district was in itself largely Democratic, they 
looked also to the character of the constitu- 
ency, most of whom, coming from slave States, 
might well be supposed to have prejudices 
that might be appealed to with profit. The 
contest that ensued is, perhaps, one of the 
most memorable in the political history of the 
State. Mr. Yates, for his course on the Ne- 
braska bill, was assailed by his opponents 
and by the author of that bill as an abolition- 
ist — and in the end he was defeated but by a 
meagre majority of two hundred votes, in a 
district which, at the previous election, had 
given Pierce a majority of near two thousand 
over Gen. Scott. 

Mr. Yates having retired for a time from 
the political arena, and given up the practice 
of law, was elected, in 1855, President of the 
Tonica and Petersburgh Railroad, and pre- 
sided over the affairs of the company with 
signal ability, until his election, in November, 
1860, to the gubernatorial chair. In January, 
18G1, he was sworn in as Governor of the State 
of Illinois. No man has done more to hold up 
the hands of the President since the land has 
been plunged into "battle and murder" by 
this unholy rebellion, than Richard Yates. 

When the services of the sons of Illinois 
were called for at the breaking out of the 
Mexican war, nearly ten thousand answered 
the summons, though but four regiments were 
accepted ; and nobly did they maintain the 



honor of Illinois in the severest battles of 
Taylor's and Scott's campaigns. Hardin and 
BissELL are indelibly associated with the 
glorious victory of Buena Vista, and the names 
of Baker, Harris and Shields will be cher- 
ished so long as the memory of Cerro Gordo 
lives in the hearts of their countrymen. 

When the echo of the first gun fired at Sum- 
ter reached the Prairie State, her citizens 
sprang to arms with the same alacrity which 
they exhibited sixteen years before. Under 
the first call of the President, thirteen regi- 
ments of cavalry and sixty-six of infantry took 
the field; five regiments obeyed the call for 
three months men, while sixty-eight regiments 
flew to arms under the last summons : a grand 
total of two artillery regiments, eighteen cav- 
alry, and one hundred and thirty-four infantry, 
making, with six batteries of artillery, and 
several companies and battalions of cavalry — 
a force of about one hundred and sixty thou- 
sand men ! being ten full regiments in excess 
of her quota under all calls by the general 
Government, and she has done this without 
resorting to the draft in a single county or 
township. Much of this glorious record is 
due to the ability and energy of our noble 
Governor. 

Soon after the President's last requisition, 
Gov. Yates issued the following proclamation 
to the people of Illinois, and also sent the 
letter herewith appended to the President : 

Under a late requisition of the President, I 
am called upon to furnish, at the earliest prac- 
tical period, nine regiments of Infantry, for 
three years' service, being a part of the quota 
of the State, under the call of the President 
for three hundred thousand men. An order 
of Adjutant General Fuller, this day published, 
will give the details as to the mode of raising 
the troops, subsistence, transportation, places 
of rendezvous, etc. 

The war has now arrived at the most criti- 
cal point. A series of splendid successes has 
crowned our arms. The enemy has been 
driven from Tennessee, Missouri and Ken- 
tucky, from Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, 
and from the sea-coast at almost all points. 
The Mississippi has been opened from Cairo 
to the Gulf. The Potomac has been opened 
from Washington to the Chesapeake. Beaten, 
broken, demoralized, bankrupt and scattered, 
the insurgents have fled before our victorious 
legions, leaving us a large area of conquered 
territory, and almost innumerable posts in the 
enemy's country to garrison with our troops. 

The rebels, whose leaders are bold and sa- 
gacious, and with whom it is neck or nothing 



10 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



as to the rebellion, have, with the energy of 
desperation, resolved to cast all upon the haz- 
ard of a single battle ; and while weak at 
every other point, they have, by the evacuation 
of Corinth, and by the rapid concentration of 
their scattered forces at Richmond, brought 
together a great and powerful army, far su- 
perior in numbers to that of our own at the 
same point. 

With consummate skill and generalship they 
have planned so as not only to defend their 
own capital, but also, should they be successful 
in driving back McClellan, to take ours, and 
raise the rebel flag upon the capitol at Wash- 
iugton, with the expectation that so great a 
conquest would reanimate the South, revive 
their fading fortunes, and then secure them 
the immediate co-operation of the two great 
powers of Europe — England and France. 

This is their last great stake. The despe- 
ration with which they have fought has devel- 
oped the depth, intensity and recklessness of 
their designs. Their mode of warfare is the 
most malignant, desperate and savage. Thus 
we are brought to the very crisis of the rebel- 
lion, and all our hopes, and the hopes of this 
great country, hang upon the issue. 

It is for this reason that the President tele- 
graphs me in a private dispatch, " Time is 
everything. Please act in view of this." 

lUinoisans ! In view of the crisis, when the 
battles soon to be fought will be decisive ; 
when the alliance with foreign powers is not 
only sought, but confidently relied upon by 
the rebels ; and when our own brave volun- 
teers contending against unequal numbers 
stretch out their hands for help, I cannot doubt 
the response you will give. Indeed, I am 
most happy to state, that in response to the 
active measures already taken, every mail 
brings me the glad tidings of the rapid enroll- 
ment of our volunteers in the nine regiments 
which are forming. 

Covered all over with glory, with a name 
honored throughout the earth — shining with 
the lustre of the great achievements of her 
sons on almost every field, Illinois will not 
now hold back and tarnish the fame she has 
so nobly earned. To the timid who suppose 
that the State will not now respond, I say 
"take courage." They vastly underrate the 
patriotisijj. and courage of the men of Illinois. 

But I repeat, time is everything. Defeat 
now would prolong the war for years. Also 
remember that every argument of public ne- 
cessity, of patriotism, every emotion of hu- 
manity appeals to the people to turn out in 
overwhelming demonstration, so that the re- 
bellion may be speedily crushed, and an end put 
to this desolating war. Remember the words 
of Douglas, that the "shortest road to peace 
is the most stupendous preparation for war." 

The crisis is such that every man must feel 
that the success of our cause depends upon 
himself, and not upon his neighbor. What- 
ever his position, his wealth, his rank or con- 



dition, he must be ready to devote all to the 
service of the country. Let all, old and young, 
contribute, work, speak, and in every possible 
mode further the work of the speedy enroll- 
ment of our forces. Let not only every man, 
but every woman be a soldier, if not to fight, 
yet to cheer and encourage, and to provide 
comforts and relief for the sick and the wound- 
ed. The public as yet know but little how 
much the country is indebted to the noble 
women of our State for their assistance to our 
soldiers in the field. All along the path of 
our army, upon the banks of our rivers, filling 
our steamboats and ambulances, in the tent of 
the soldier far from his home, I have witnessed 
the bright traces of woman's enduring love and 
benevolence. When the war shall have closed 
and its history shall be written, the labors of 
our Sanitary Associations and Aid Societies 
will present pages as bright as the loftiest 
heroism of the camp and field. Let all loyal 
men and women persevere in the good work. 

lUinoisans! Look at the issue and do not 
falter. Your all is at stake. What are your 
beautiful prairies, comfortable mansions and 
rich harvests — what is even life worth, if your 
government is lost? Better that the desola- 
tion of pestilence and famine should sweep 
over the State, than that the glorious work of 
our fathers should now forever fail. Look out 
upon your country with a government so free, 
institutions so noble, boundaries so broad — 
a beautiful sisterhood of States so prosperous 
and happy, and resolve afresh that as your 
fathers gave it you, you will hand it down to 
your children, a glorious inheritance of liberty 
and union for their enjoyment forever. For 
seven long years our fathers endured, suft'ered 
and fought to build up the fair fabric of Amer- 
ican freedom. The precious boon purchased 
by patriot blood and treasure was committed 
to us for enjoyment, and to be transmitted to 
our posterity with the most solemn injunctions 
that man has the power to lay on man. By 
the grace of God, we will be faithful to the 
trust ! And if need be, for seven years to 
come will we struggle to maintain a perfect 
Union, a government of one people, in one 
nation, under one Constitution. 

The coming of the brave boys of Illinois 
will be hailed on the banks of the Potomac 
and .James I'ivers with shouts of welcome. 

During my recent visit East, I felt my heart 
to leap with exultant delight at the praise of 
Illinois heard from every lip. You will be 
hailed as the brothers of the men who have 
faced the storm of battle and gloriously tri- 
umphed at Donelson, Pea Ridge, Shiloh, and 
other memorable fields. 

Go then, and doubt not the result. We are 
sure to triumph. The God of liberty, justice 
and humanity is on our side. 

Your all and your children's all — all that is 
worth living or dying for, is at stake. Then 
rally once again for the old flag, for our coun- 
try,' union and liberty. RICHARD YATES. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



11 



Executive Department, 
Springfield, III., July 11th, 1862. 



to organiziDg an additional force of twenty 
regiments to be ready for any emergency that 
might arise. It is rich in words fitly spoken — 
"apples of gold in pictures of silver." About 
the same time, in answer to a letter regarding 



President Lincoln, Washington, D. C. : 

The crisis of the war and our national ex- 
istence is upon us. The time has come for 
the adoption of more decisive measures. 
Greater vigor and earnestness must be infused arrests for treason in Illinois, he says : 
into our military moveinents. Blows must be ,. ^ influence shall be given at all times to 
struck at the vital parts of the rebellion. The protect every citizen in the full enjoyment of 
Government should employ every available ^is constitutional rights. If consulted, I should 
means compatible with the rules of warfare to ^^^^^ ^^ circumstances recommend arrests, 
subject the traitors. Summon to the standard ^^.^gpt Iq clear cases of treasonable words or 
of the Republic all men willing to fight for the ^^^^ against the Government. I regard the 
Union. Let loyalty, and that alone, be the quggtion of arrests of this nature as a very 
dividing line between the nation and its foes. ^^^^q^. ^ud delicate one ; yet on the other hand. 
Generals should not be permitted to fritter j^ j^ ^^^^ conviction that no man who is a 
away the sinews of our brave men in guarding traitor to his country, or who by word or deed, 
the property of traitors, and m driving back ^^^,j -^ ^^^ ^^^ comfort to the enemies of 
into their hands loyal blacks, who ofler us tt^g Government, should be permitted to breathe 
their labor, and seek shelter beneath the Fed- ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^ Illinois Let every such man be 
eral flag. Shall we sit supinely by, and see ^j^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ g^j^^l ^n^ ioyai citizens; let him 
the war sweep ofiF the youth and strength of ^^^^^ ^j^^ g^.^^^^ ^^^-^^^i his presence disgraces, 
the land, and refuse aid from that class of men, j^g^j^g ^^ (he brave men who are periling their 
who are at least worthy foes of traitors and ^^ ^^^ ^^^ Government, as well as the memory 
the murderers of our Government and of our ^^ ^^j, ^^^^^ ^^^ l^^^^e gloriously given up their 
children ? jj^^g ^^^ ^j^gj^ country, requires that no sympa- 

Our armies should be directed to forage on ^^.^^ ^■^J^ treason should be suffered to Live in 
the enemy, and to cease paying traitors and TiUfiQig " 

their abettors exorbitant exactions for food ^, , " . ^ v t^o ^„„Q;^ori q ii^tfor 

J , , ., . 1 , i,- .,;,j Not lona since. Gov. lates receivea a letter 

needed by the sick or hungry soldier. Mud ^^"^ '" » "' »'^' 

and conciliatory means have been tried in vain from Oskaloosa, 111., wherein the writer corn- 
to recall the rebels to their allegiance. The plained that traitors in his town had cut down 
conservative policy has utterly failed to reduce ^^^ American flag, and asking what ought to 

traitors to obedience and to restore the su- • n ^^^^^^ Ttio anvprnnr 

„ ,, , mi 1, -u be done in the premises. liie governor 

premacy of the laws. They have, by means "^ ^""^ lu. t" ■ f 

of sweeping conscriptions, gathered in count- promptly wrote him, and I give a portion ot a 

less hordes, and threaten to beat back and reply that ought to be historic : "You say," 

overwhelm the armies of the Union. With ^j-j^gg ^jig Governor, "that the pole which 

blood and treason in their hearts, they flaunt „,,,,, i ^ • „ „„ fv.^ d.th rvf Tnlv 

,,,,,„ „ , ,,. ■ n, e f ii,„ floated the stars and stripes on the 4-tn ot J uiy, 

the black flag of rebellion in the face of the """■"^ ^ j 4V, ♦ f 

Government, and threaten to butcher our brave was cut down by secessionists, and that at a 

and loyal armies with foreign bayonets. They pic-nic which you are to have, it is threatened 

arm negroes and merciless savages in their ^^^^^ ^^^e flag shall be taken down, and you ask 

^^!?f^^'T- 1 xu • • 1 1 * me whether you would be justifiable in defend- 

Mr. Lincoln, the crisis demands greater me wuemci j^uu „ t ^ ■ \. a 

and sterner measures. Proclaim anew the ing the flag with fire-arms ? I am astomshea 

good old motto of the Republic, " Liberty and at this question. As much so as if you were 

Union, now and forever, one and inseparable," ^^ ^^^ ^^ whether you would have a right to 

and accept the services of cfZZ ZowaZ men, and it ... . „„„•„* „„v>v,ova nr vmir 

•11 V, ■ i . • „ « ,f „4> defend your property against robbers or your 

will be in your power to stamp armies out ot "^^^" J f f j o 

the earth— irresistible armies that will bear life against murderers. You ask me what you 
our banners to certain victoi-y. shall do? I reply, do not raise the American 
In any event, Illinois, already alive with ^^^ merely to provoke your secession neigh- 
beat of drum and resounding with the tramp " 
of new recruits, will respond to your call. 
Adopt this policy and she will leap like a 
flaming giant into the fight. 

This policy for the conduct of the war will ~ public celebration, from honest love to 

on impossible, and the , „ , . ■ s.- j *• *„ »v,.^ «^„r,f,.-iT 

arms of the Republic invincible. It will bring that flag, and patriotic devotion to the country 



bors— do not be on the aggressive, but when- 
ever you raise it on your own soil, or on the 
public property of the State or county, or at 



render foreign intervention impossible, ant 
arms of the Republic invincible. It will b — „ 

the conflict to a speedy close, and secure peace which it symbolizes, and any traitor dares to 

on a permanent basis. RICHARD YATES. jay his unhallowed hand upon it to tear it 

On Sept. 15th, the Governor issued another down, shoot him down as you would a dog, 

proclamation to the people of Illinois, in regard and / will pardon you for the offence.'' 



12 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



OEIV. GMIAIVT. 



Among the mo8t prominent actors in what 
has been so well called this " fearfully glorious 
present," stands Major General Ulysses S. 
Grant, the hero of Fort Donelson and the 
bloody battle-field of Shiloh, and at present in 
command of the army of Tennessee. He was 
born at Mount Pleasant, Clermont co., Ohio, 
April 22, 1822, and entered the West Point 
Academy from his native State at the age 
of seventeen, receiving his appointment as 
cadet from the late Gen. Thomas L. Hamer, 
of Ohio. He graduated with honors, June 
30, 1843, in the same class with Generals 
French, Franklin, Hamilton, Quimby, Peck, 
Reynolds, and others in the Union service, 
and Generals Hardee and Ripley, now serving 
in the Confederate army ; and was attached 
as brevet 2d Lieutenant to the 4th Infantry. 
He was promoted 2d Lieutenant at Corpus 
Christi in Sept., 1845. He served through the 
Mexican campaign, under General Taylor at 
Palo Alto, Eesaca de la Palma and Monterey, 
and under Gen. Scott from Vera Cruz to the 
city of Mexico ; and was twice promoted for 
his bravery on the battle-field. He was Regi- 
mental Quartermaster from April 1, 1847 ; and 
when he resigned from the service, July 31, 
1854, he was a full Captain in the 4th Infantry. 
After his resignation, he settled in St. Louis 
CO., Missouri, and continued to reside there 
until 1859, when he moved to Galena, Illinois, 
and entered into the leather trade, in partner- 
ship with his father. When the echo of the 
first gun fired at Fort Sumter reached him, he 
hastened to Springfield, and ofiFered his ser- 
vices to Gov. Yates, and was appointed Colonel 
of the 2l8t Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. 
He served with his regiment until promoted a 
Brigadier General, with commission and rank 
from May 17, 1861. He was engaged as Col. 
and acting Brigadier General in several of the 
contests in Southeastern Missouri, and his 
course as commander of that district received 
the commendation of his superior officers. 
Among his other praiseworthy acts, was the 
occupation of Paducah, and stoppage of com- 
munication and supplies to the rebels, via the 
Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. At 11 
o'clock, Sept. 6th, Gen. Grant, with two regi- 
ments of infantry, one company of artillery, 



and two gunboats, took possession of the town. 
He found secession flags flying in difi'erent parts 
of the city, in expectation of greeting the ar- 
rival of the Southern army, which was reported 
three thousand eight hundred strong, sixteen 
miles distant. The loyal citizens tore down 
the secession flags on the arrival of the national 
troops. Gen. Grant took possession of the tele- 
graph office, railroad depot, and the marine hos- 
pital, and issued the following proclamation: 

" I have come among you not as an enemy, 
but as your fellow-citizen. Not to maltreat or 
annoy you, but to respect and enforce the rights 
of all loyal citizens. An enemy, in rebellion 
against our Common Government, has taken 
possession of, and planted its guns on the soil 
of Kentucky, and tired upon you. Columbus 
and Hickman are in his hands. He is moving 
upon your city. I am here to defend you against 
this enemy, to assist the authority and sover- 
eignty of your Government. I have nothing to 
do with opinions, and shall deal only with armed 
rebellion and its aiders and abettors. You can 
pursue your usual avocations without fear. 
The strong arm of the Government is here to 
protect its friends and punish its enemies. 
Whenever it is manifest that you are able to 
defend yourselves and maintain the authority 
of the Government and protect the rights of 
loyal citizens, I shall withdraw the forces under 
my command." 

While in command of the District of Cairo, 
Gen. Grant learned that the rebels at Colum- 
bus were about to send out a strong force to 
cut off" an expedition that had been sent into 
Missouri, and he at once determined to make 
an attack upon them at Belmont, nearly oppo- 
site to Columbus. On the night of Nov. 6, a 
strong force, under his command, left Cairo on 
steamers, the gunboats Tyler and Lexington 
accompanying, and landed the morning follow- 
ing at Lucas Bend, on the west side of the Mis- 
sissippi, three miles above Columbus. The 
troops were formed into line of battle, and for 
two and a half miles up to the camp of the ene- 
my at Belmont, through the woods, the ground 
was hotly contested, but the rebels were driven 
back, and their camp totally destroyed. Gen. 
Grant finding that the enemy were crossing 
from the Kentucky shore and threatening his 
rear, gave the order to return to the boats, 
when our army was confronted by several 
thousand fresh troops sent from Columbus. 
Another terrible engagement ensued, in which 




." <-< -XN^^ - x>><>\x^- xx->>- 



GEN. GRANT. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



13 



every regiment suffered severely before reach- 
ing the boats. The troops all displayed the 
greatest bravery. The following is Gen. 

Grant's of&cial report : 

^ Cairo, Nov. 12, 1861. 

On the evening of the 6th inst., I left this 
place with two thousand eight hundred and fifty 
men of all arms, to make a reconnoissnnce 
toward Columbus. The object of the expedition 
was to prevent the enemy from sending out re- 
inforcements to Price's army in Missouri, and 
also from cutting off columns that I had been 
directed to send out from this place and Cape 
Girardeau, in pursuit of Jeff. Thompson. Know- 
ing that Columbus was strongly garrisoned, I 
asked Gen. Smith, commanding at Paducah, 
Ky., to make demonstrations in the same di- 
rection. He did so by ordering a small force to 
Mayfield and another in the direction of Co- 
lumbus, not to approach nearer, however, than 
twelve or fifteen miles. I also sent a small 
force on the Kentucky side with orders not to 
approach nearer than Ellicott's Mills, some 
twelve miles from Columbus. The expedition 
under my immediate command was stopped 
about nine miles below here on the Kentucky 
shore, and remained until morning. All this 
served to distract the enemy, and led him to 
think he was to be attacked in his strongly 
fortified position. At daylight, we proceeded 
down the river to a point just out of range of 
the rebel guns, and debarked on the Missouri 
shore. From here the troops were marched by 
flank for about one mile toward Belmont, and 
then drawn up in line of battle, a battalion also 
having been left as a reserve near the trans- 
ports. Two companies from each regiment, 
five skeletons in number, were then thrown out 
as skirmishers, to ascertain the position of the 
enemy. It was but a few moments before we 
met him, and a general eng.igement ensued. 

The balance of my forces, with the exception 
of the reserve, was then thrown forward — all 
as skirmishers — and the enemy driven foot by 
foot, and from tree to tree, back to their en- 
campment on the river bank, a distance of two 
miles. Here they had strengthened their po- 
sition by felling the timber for several hundred 
yards around their camp, and making a sort of 
abatis. Our men charged through this, driving 
the enemy over the bank into their transports 
in quick time, leaving us in possession of every 
thing not exceedingly portable. Belmont is on 
low ground, and every foot of it is commanded 
by the guns on the opposite shore, and of course 
could not be held for a single hour after the 
enemy became aware of the withdrawal of their 
troops. Having no wagons, I could not move 
any of the captured property : consequently, I 
gave orders for its destruction. Their tents, 
blankets, etc., were set on fire, and we retired, 
taking their artillery with us, two pieces being 
drawn by hand ; and one other, drawn by an 
inefficient team, we spiked and left in the woods, 
bringing the two only to this place. Before 
getting fairly under way, the enemy made his 



appearance again, and attempted to surround 
us. Our troops were not in the least discour- 
aged, but charged on the enemy again and de- 
feated him. Our loss was about 84 killed, 150 
wounded — many of them slightly — and about 
an equal number missing. Nearly all the mis- 
sing were from the Iowa regiment, who behaved 
with great gallantry, and suffered more severely 
than any other of the troops. 

I have not been able to put in the reports 
from sub-commands, but will forward them as 
soon as received. All the troops behaved with 
gallantry, much of which is attributed to the 
coolness and presence of mind of the officers, 
particularly of the colonels. Gen. McClernand 
was in the midst of danger throughout the en- 
gagement, and displayed both coolness and 
judgment. His horse was three times shot. 
My horse was also shot under me. To my 
staff, Capts. Rawlins, Logan, and Hilyer, vol- 
unteer aids, and to Capts. Hatch and Graham, 
I am much indebted for the assistance they 
gave. Col. Webster, acting chief engineer, 
also accompanied me, and displayed highly sol- 
dier-like qualities. Col. Dougherty, of the 
Twenty-second Illinois Volunteers, was three 
times wounded and taken prisoner. 

The Seventh Iowa regiment had their Lieut. 
Colonel killed, and the Colonel and Major were 
severely wounded. The reports to be forward- 
ed will detail more fully the particulars of our 
loss. Surgeon Brinton was in the field during 
the entire engagement, and displayed great abil- 
ity and efficiency in providing for the wounded 
and organizing the medical corps. 

The gunboats Tyler and Lexington, Capts. 
Walker and Stemble, U. S. N., commanding, 
conveyed the expedition and rendered most 
efficient service. Immediately upon our land- 
ing they engaged the enemy's batteries, and 
protected our transports throughout. 

I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient 
servant, U. S. GRANT, 

Brig. Gen. Commanding. 

In January, 1862, Gen. Grant being still in 
command at Cairo, turned his attention to 
operations on the Cumberland and Tennessee 
rivers, and obtained permission from the War 
Department to move up those rivers, and to 
act in concert with the gunboats. Early in 
February, our forces moved up the Tennessee. 
At the capture of Fort Henry, Feb. 6, 1862, 
General Grant commanded the land forces, 
acting in concert with the gunboats, under 
command of Flag-Officer (now Admiral) Foote. 
From Fort Henry, he proceeded, on the 12th, 
with his army, to invest Fort Donelson, on the 
Cumberland river. The attack began on the 
morning of the 13th, and was continued on 
the 14th and loth, the troops being exposed 
for four nights without shelter during the most 
inclement weather known in that latitude. On 



14 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



the morning of the 16th, the rebel commander, 
Gen. Buckner, sent in a flag of truce, propos- 
ing an armistice, and appointment of com- 
missioners to settle terms of capitulation, to 
-which Gen. Grant replied that "no terms other 
than unconditional and immediate surrender 
can be accepted;" and added, "I propose to 
move immediately on your works." The post 
was at once surrendered. Gen. Grant made 
the following report to Gen. Halleck, dated 
Fort Donelson, Feb. 16, 1862 : 

" I am pleased to announce to you the un- 
conditional surrender, this morning, of Fort 
Donelson, with twelve to fifteen thousand pris- 
oners, at least forty pieces of artillery, and a 
large amount of stores, horses, mules, and 
other public property. 

"I left Fort Henry on the twelfth inst., with 
a force of about fifteen thousand men, divided 
into two divisions, under the command of Gen- 
erals McClernand and Smith. Six regiments 
were sent around by water the day before, 
convoyed by a gunboat, or rather started one 
day later than one of the gunboats, with in- 
structions not to pass it. 

" The troops made the march in good order, 
the head of the column arriving within two 
miles of the Fort at twelve o'clock m. At this 
point the enemy's pickets were met and driven 
in. 

" The fortifications of the enemy were from 
this point gradually approached and surround- 
ed, with occasional skirmishing on the line. 
The following day, owing to the non-arrival 
of the gunboats and re-enforcements sent by 
water, no attack was made ; but the invest- 
ment was extended on the flanks of the enemy, 
and drawn closer to his works, with skirmish- 
ing all day. The evening of the thirteenth, 
the gunboats and re-enforcements arrived. 
On the fourteenth, a gallant attack was made 
by Flag- Officer Foote upon the enemy's works 
with his fleet. The engagement lasted proba- 
bly one hour and a half, and bid fair to result 
favorably to the cause of the Union, when two 
unlucky shots disabled two of the armored 
gunboats, so that they were carried back by 
the current. The remaining two were very 
much disabled also, having received a number 
of heavy shots about the pilot-house and other 
parts of the vessels. After these mishaps, I 
concluded to make the investment of Fort 
Donelson as perfect as possible, and partially 
fortify and await repaii's to the gunboats. 
This plan was frustrated, however, by the 
enemy making a most vigorous attack upon 
our right wing, commanded by Gen. J. A. 
McClernand, with a portion of the force under 
Gen. L. Wallace. The enemy were repelled 
after a closely contested battle of several hours, 
in which our loss was heavy. The officers, 
and particularly field ofiicers, suffered out of 
proportion. I have not the means yet of de- 



termining our loss even approximately, but it 
cannot fall far short of one thousand two hun- 
dred killed, wounded and missing. Of the 
latter, I understand through Gen. Buckner, 
about two hundred and fifty were taken pris- 
oners. I shall retain enough of the enemy to 
exchange for them, as they were immediately 
shipped oflF, and not left for recapture. 

"About the close of this action, the ammu- 
nition in the cartridge-boxes gave out, which, 
with the loss of many of the field officers, pro- 
duced great confusion in the ranks. Seeing 
that the enemy did not take advantage of this 
fact, I ordered a charge upon the left — enemy's 
right — with the division under Gen. C. F. 
Smith, which was most brilliantly executed, 
and gave to our arms full assurance of victory. 
The battle lasted until dark, giving us posses- 
sion of part of their entrenchments. An attack 
was ordered upon their other flank, after the 
charge by Gen. Smith was commenced, by the 
divisions under Gens. McClernand and Wallace, 
which, notwithstanding the hours of exposure 
to a heavy fire in the fore part of the day, was 
gallantly made, and the enemy further re- 
pulsed. At the points thus gained, night 
having come on, all the troops encamped for 
the night, feeling that a complete victory would 
crown their labors at an early hour in the 
morning. This morning, at a very early hour, 
Gen. S. B. Buckner sent a message to our 
camp under a flag of truce, proposing an ar- 
mistice, etc. A copy of the correspondence 
which ensued is herewith accompanied. 

" I cannot mention individuals who specially 
distinguished themselves, but leave that to 
division and brigade officers, whose reports 
will be forwarded as soon as received. To 
division commanders, however, Generals Mc- 
Clernand, Smith and AVallace, I must do the 
justice to say that each of them were with 
their commands in the midst of danger, and 
were always ready to execute all orders, no 
matter what the exposure to themselves." 

For his ability and gallantry displayed at 
the capture of Fort Donelson, Gen. Grant was 
promoted to a Major General, his commission 
being dated Feb. 16 — the day of its surrender 
to our forces. 

The occupation of Savannah by Gen. Grant 
was made about the middle of March, and 
Sherman's division pushed on to Pittsburgh 
Landing. Gradually his whole army advanced 
to Shiloh, to await the arrival of Buell's di- 
visions before assailing the enemy, under 
Johnston and Beauregard, entrenched at Cor- 
inth. Sherman's division had the extreme 
advance left wing, supported by Gen. Prentiss; 
McClernand held the centre ; Wallace, of Illi- 
nois (commanding Gen. Smith's forces), held 
the right; Hurlbut's brigades forming the re- 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICEKS. 



15 



serve. Gen..Wallace, of Indiana, was stationed 
■ffith his division at Crump's Landing, forming 
the extreme right wing of Grant's army. This 
was the position of our army on the morning 
of Sunday, April 6th, when the enemy made 
the attack. The following is Gen. Grant's 
official report of the engagement, made to 
Gen. Halleck : 

"It becomes my duty again to report another 
battle fought between two great armies, one con- 
tending for the maintenance of the best govern- 
ment ever devised, the other, for its destruction. 
It is pleasant to record the success of the army 
contending for the former principle. 

"On Sunday morning our pickets were driven 
in by the enemy. Immediately the five divis- 
ions stationed at this place were drawn up in 
line of battle, ready to meet them. The battle 
soon waxed warm on the left and centre, vary- 
ing at times to all parts of the line. 

" The most continuous firing of musketry 
and artillery ever heard on the continent was 
kept up until nightfall, the enemy having 
forced the entire line to fall back nearly half 
way from their camps to the landing. At a 
late hour in the afternoon, a desperate eff"ort 
was made by the enemy to turn our left, and 
get possession of the landing, transports, etc. 
This point was guarded by the gunboats Tyler 
and Lexington, Captains Gwinn and Shirk, 
U. S.N., commanding, four 29-pounder Parrot 
guns, and a battery of rifled guns. As there 
is a deep and impassable ravine for artillery 
or cavalry, and very difficult for infantry, at 
this point, no troops were stationed here ex- 
cept the necessary artillerists, and a small in- 
fantry force for their support. Just at this 
moment the advance of Major General Buell's 
column (a part of the division of Gen. Nelson) 
arrived, the two Generals named both being 
present. An advance was immediately made 
upon the point of attack, and the enemy soon 
driven back. In this repulse, much is due to 
the presence of the gunboats Tyler and Lexing- 
ton, and their able commanders. Captains 
Gwinn and Shirk. During the night, the di- 
visions under Generals Crittenden and McCook 
arrived. 

" Gen. Lew. Wallace, at Crump's Landing, 
six miles below, was ordered at an early hour 
in the morning to hold his division in readiness 
to move in any direction to which it might be 
ordered. At about 11 o'clock, the order was 
delivered to move it up to Pittsburgh, but ow- 
ing to its being led by a circuitous route, did 
not arrive in time to take part in Sunday's 
action. During the night all was quiet, and 
feeling that a great moral advantage would be 
gained by becoming the attacking party, an 
advance was ordered as soon as day dawned. 
The result was a gradual repulse of the enemy 
at all points of the line, from morning until 
probably 5 o'clock in the afternoon, when it 
became evident the enemy was retreating. 



" Befoi-e the close of the action, the advance 
of Gen. T. J. Wood's division arrived, in time 
to take part in the action. My force was too 
much fatigued from two days' hard fighting, 
and exposed in the open air to a drenching 
rain during the intervening night, to pursue 
immediately. Night closed in cloudy and with 
heavy rain, making the roads impracticable 
for artillery by the next morning. Gen. Sher- 
man, however, followed the enemy, finding 
that the main part of the army had retreated 
in good order. Hospitals of the enemy's 
wounded were found all along the road, as far 
as pursuit was made. Dead bodies of the en- 
emy and many graves were also found. I en- 
close herewith the report of Gen. Sherman, 
which will explain more fully the result of the 
pursuit. Of the part taken by each separate 
command, I cannot take special notice in this 
report, but will do so more fully when reports 
of division commanders are handed in. 

"General Buell, coming on the field with a 
distinct army, long under his command, and 
which did such efficient service, commanded 
by himself in person on the field, will be much 
better able to notice those of his command 
who particularly distinguished themselves, 
than I possibly can. 

" I feel it a duty, however, to a gallant and 
able officer, Brigadier General W. T. Sherman, 
to make a special mention. He not only was 
with his command during the entire of the two 
days' action, but displayed great judgment 
and skill in the management of his men. Al- 
though severely wounded in the hand the first 
day, his place was never vacant. He was 
again wounded, and had three horses killed 
under him. 

"In making this mention of a gallant officer, 
no disparagement is intended to the other di- 
vision commanders. Major Generals John A. 
McClernand and Lew. Wallace, and Brigadier 
Generals S. A. Hurlbut, B. M. Prentiss and 
W. H. L. Wallace, all of whom maintained 
their places with credit to themselves and the 
cause. 

"Gen. Prentiss was taken prisoner in the 
first day's action, and Gen. W. H. L. Wallace 
severely, probably mortally wounded. His 
Assistant Adjutant General, Captain William 
McMichael, is missing — probably taken pris- 
oner. 

" My personal staff are all deserving of par- 
ticular mention, they having been engaged 
during the entire two days in carrying orders 
to every part of the field. It consists of Col. 
J. D. Webster, chief of Staflf; Lieut. Col. J. B. 
McPherson, chief engineer ; assisted by Lieu- 
tenants W. L. B. Jenny and Wm. Kossac, Capt. 
J. A. Rawlings, A. A. General W. S. Hillyer, 
W. R. Rawley and C. B. Lagow, aides-de-camp, 
Col. G. G. Pride, volunteer aid, and Capt. J. 
P. Hawkins, chief commissary, who accom- 
panied me upon the field. 

"The medical department, under direction 
of Surgeon Hewitt, medical director, showed 



16 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



great energy in providing for the wounded, 
and in getting them from the field, regardless 
of danger. 

"Col. Webster was placed in special charge 
of all the artillery, and was constantly upon 
the field. He displayed, as always heretofore, 
both skill and bravery. At least in one in- 
stance he was the means of placing an entire 
regiment in a position of doing most valuable 
service, and where it would not have been but 
for his exertions. 

"Lieut. Col. McPherson, attached to my 
stafiF as chief of engineers, deserves more than 
a passing notice for his activity and courage. 
The grounds beyond our camps for miles have 
been reconnoitered by him, and plats carefully 
prepared under his supervision, giving accu- 
rate information of the nature of approaches 
to our lines. During the two days' battle he 
was constantly in the saddle, leading troops 
as they arrived to points where their services 
were required. During the engagement he 
had one horse shot under him. 

"The country will have to mourn the loss 
of many brave men who fell at the battle of 
Pittsburgh, or Shilob, more properly. The 
exact loss in killed and wounded will be known 
in a day or two ; at present I can only give 
it approximately at 1500 killed and 3500 
wounded. 

"The loss of artillery was great, many pieces 
being disabled by the enemy's shots, and some 
losing all their horses and many men. There 
were probably not less than two hundred 
horses killed. 

" The loss of the enemy, in killed and left 
upon the field, was greater than ours. In 
wounded, the estimate cannot be made, as 
many of them must have been sent to Corinth 
and other points." 

A later official report of Gen. Grant gives 
the number of killed as 1614 ; wounded, 7721 ; 
missing, 39G3 ; making a total of 13,508 killed, 
wounded and missing, in that terrific two days' 
engagement. As to the enemy's loss, no au- 
thentic data is available, but it is supposed 
to have been much greater than ours. 

An important victory was gained by Gen. 
Grant over the rebels at luka. Miss., Sept. 
19th and 20th. The following is his official 
report, dated from field of battle : 

"Gen. Rosecrans, with Stanley's and Ham- 
ilton's divisions, and Misener's Cavalry, at- 
tacked Price south of this village about two 
hours before dark yesterday, and had a sharp 
fight until night closed in. Gen. Ord was to 
the north with an armed force of about 5000 
men, and had some skirmishing with the rebel 
pickets. This morning the fight was renewed 



by Gen. Rosecrans, who was nearest to the 
town, but it was found that the enemy had 
been evacuating during the night, going south. 
Gens. Hamilton and Stanley, with cavalry, are 
in full pursuit. This will, no doubt, break up 
the enemy, and possibly force them to abandon 
much of their artillery. The loss on either 
side, in killed and wounded, is from 400 to 
500. The enemy's loss in arms, tents, etc., 
will be large. We have about 250 prisoners. 
I have trustworthy intelligence that it was 
Price's intention to move over east of the Ten- 
nessee. In this he has been thwarted. Among 
the enemy's loss are Gen. Little, killed, and 
Gen. Whifford, wounded. I cannot speak too 
highly of the energy and skill displayed by 
Gen. Rosecrans in the attack, and of the en- 
durance of the troops. Gen. Ord's command 
showed untiring zeal, but the direction taken 
by the enemy prevented them from taking the 
active part they desired. Price's force was 
about 18,000." 

In a later dispatch, dated 22d, Gen. Grant 
says: "Our loss was over-estimated, and the 
rebel loss was under-estimated. We found 
261 of them dead upon the field, while our loss 
in killed was less than 100." 

Another desperate battle was fought by 
Gen. Grant's troops at Corinth, Oct. 4, in which 
the rebels, under Price, Van Dorn and Lovell, 
were most signally repulsed, and sustained a 
heavy loss in killed, wounded and prisoners. 
On the 6th, another severe engagement with 
the enemy on the banks of the Hatchie termi- 
nated in their being completely routed, and 
retreating after throwing away their baggage 
and commissary stores. The rebel loss, in 
killed, wounded and prisoners, was very great. 

Gen. Grant has been constantly in the field 
during the whole campaign, and is now (Oct. 
16th) in command of the army of Tennessee, 
with his headquarters at Jackson. Neither 
he nor the noble army which he lias so long 
commanded, and which, I am proud to record, 
are chiefly Illinoisans, — and many are the 
victor- wreaths they have won, — have ever 
yet met with defeat, and but twice fallen back, 
and in those cases, when outnumbered nearly 
two to one, fell back with their faces to the 
foe. Illinois can claim for Gen. Ulysses S. 
Grant, without fear of contradiction, the proud 
distinction of being the most successful Gen- 
eral that the war against the rebellion of 1861 
has yet developed in our Union armies. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



17 



G^E]V. I»AI]VE. 



Elkazer a. Paine was born in Geauga 
county, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1815. Was appointed 
a cadet to the United States Military Academy 
in June, 1835, and graduated in June, 1839. 
Among his classmates were Major Generals 
Halleck and Ord, and Brigadier Generals 
Canby, Hunt and Stevens. After graduating, 
he was appointed 2d Lieutenant in the First 
Infantry, Gen. Taylor's old regiment, and 
served on Taylor's staff during the war in 
Florida. Resigned his commission in 1840, 
and commenced the study of law. In 1844, 
he began the practice of his profession, in 
Ohio, which he continued until the fall of 1848, 
when he removed to Monmouth, Warren coun- 
ty, Illinois, where his family still reside. 
Here Mr. Paine practiced law successfully 
until the breaking out of the rebellion, when 
he received an appointment on the Governor's 
staff. In April, 1861, he was elected Colonel 
of the 9th Regiment Volunteers, and Sept. 8d 
was promoted to Brigadier General. 

When Gen. Grant proceeded up the Tennes- 
see, to invest Fort Henry, Gen. Paine was 
placed in command of Cairo and its dependen- 
cies, which embraced Bird's Point and Fort Holt, 
on the Kentucky shore, Mound City, above Cairo, 
on the Ohio river, and a portion of Missouri. In 
the performance of his numerous duties while in 
command at Cairo, Gen. Paine proved himself 
to be an able officer, and by his rare combina- 
tion of administrative and executive ability 
and military knowledge and skill, placed every- 
thing within his command upon a successful 
military footing. On the 12th of march, he 
was assigned to the command of the 1st divis- 
ion of the army of the Mississippi, under Gen. 
Pope, and on the next day participated in the 
battle of New Madrid, where, at the head of 
his division, by his cool and intrepid conduct, 
he contributed largely to the eminent success 
of our arms in that important engagement, 
which resulted in the defeat of the rebels at 
that place, and the abandonment of their forts, 
batteries, arms, ammunition and stores, all of 
which fell into our hands, the rebels narrowly 
escaping in the darkness, by the aid of their 
transports, protected by their gunboats. 

After the battle at New Madrid, Gen. Paine 
labored diligently to promote the efficiency of 

2 



hia command, and by giving it a more thorough 
organization, and perfecting its discipline, be- 
came deservedly popular with his officers and 
men. 

At the taking of Island No. 10, Gen. Paine, 
with his division, consisting of two brigades, 
the Ist, commanded by Col. Morgan, of the 
10th Illinois, and the 2d, commanded by Col. 
Cumming, of the Slst Illinois, occupied the 
advance, and bore so conspicuous and distin- 
guished a part in that glorious achievement, 
by his rapid and vigorous pursuit of the enemy, 
and with his division driving a rebel force 
larger than his own from three different posi- 
tions, where they attempted to make a stand 
before reaching Tiptonville, as to capture, at 
the latter place, the whole rebel force, of over 
six thousand men, including two Generals and 
several Colonels, with all their arms, stores, 
cannon, etc., before any other division of Gen. 
Pope's army cswne up. The success of the 
army of the Mississippi at New Madrid, at 
Island No. 10, which had so long defied and 
kept in check the Federal gunboats, and at 
Tiptonville, resulted in the capture, at these 
places and the shore batteries, of over one 
hundred cannon, ten thousand stand of arms, 
a large quantity of ammunition, army wagons, 
horses, mules and military stores, from the 
rebels, which sent a thrill of joy throughout 
the loyal States, and won for Gen. Paine the 
universal praise of both army and people, 
which he so justly merited, for the bold and 
skillful manner with which he had conducted 
and directed his command in these brilliant 
achievements. 

The army of the Mississippi, including Gen. 
Paine and his command, soon after proceeded 
down'the Mississippi to Fort Pillow, and were 
about to invest that place, when they were 
ordered up the Tennessee to join Gen. Hal- 
leck. Here Gen. Paine, with his division, was 
again placed in the advance, and participated 
in all the skirmishes in the march upon Cor- 
inth. At the battle of Farmington, the 
bold advance made by Gen. Paine, the stem 
manner in which he resisted the attack of the 
vastly superior force which the rebels hurled 
upen his command, and the skillful mannier in 
which he eluded the overwhelming force sent 



18 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



against him, so completely foiled the designs sation, is possessed of good judgment, is an 

of the enemy, as to hasten the evacuation of able tactician, cool and decisive in action. He 

Corinth by the rebels, and leave the Federal is held in high esteem in the army, has the 

army undisputed masters of that strongly for- entire confidence of his command, and has in 

tified place. all respects shown himself an able and efiBcient 

In person, Gen. Paine is tall, has & fine, commanding oflBcer. 
commanding appearance, is affable in conver- 



OEN. MioAItTIIXJR. 



Brigadier General John McAbthur was 
born in the parish of Erskine, Renfre-wshire, 
Scotland, November 17, 1826. His father, 
John McArthur, was the blacksmith for Lord 
Blantyre. On reaching the common age for 
youths to attend school, he was sent there, 
and it appears displayed so much aptitude in 
learning his tasks as to attract the attention 
of the parish minister, who wished to educate 
him for the ministry. This project did not 
please the boy, who was very fond of working 
among the tools in his father's ihop, and when 
his mother, a worthy woman, tempted his 
vanity by asking him "if he would not like to 
be called the Rev. John McArthur f" his pre- 
dilections asserted their sway, and he an- 
swered, "No, I would rather be — Jock, thb 
Smith." He accordingly entered his father's 
shop, where he remained until the age of 
twenty-three, when he determined to seek a 
wider field of usefulness on the broad prairies 
of Illinois. In due time he arrived at Chicago, 
and found employment as foreman of boiler- 
making in Cobb's foundry. In 1862, he 
formed a copartnership with his brother-in- 
law, Carlyle Mason, occupying a shop on West 
Randolph street, as blacksmiths and boiler- 
makers — where, begrimmed with dust and 
smoke, he laid the foundation of a more ac- 
tive and distinguished career. His success in 
business exceeded his expectations. It grew 
with the growth of his adopted eity, and, al- 
though he suffered in the reverses of 1867, 



like other business men, he held his ground 
manfully, never retreating before a fancied 
disaster, but working his way through diflBcul- 
ties with a stout heart and steady purpose. 
The cares of his household and business did 
not prevent his entering the ranks of our 
citizen soldiery, in which he always evinced a 
deep interest. On the formation of the Chi- 
cago Highland Guard, he was elected its First 
Lieutenant, and soon after was elected Cap- 
tain. When the war broke out, Captain Mc- 
Arthur quickly arranged his business matters, 
and went forth at his country's call. He was 
elected Lieutenant Colonel of the Washington 
Independent Regiment (of which the High- 
land Guard formed a part). A few weeks 
later he was elected Colonel of the 12th Regi- 
ment Illinois Volunteers. When the troubles 
commenced in Kentucky, Col. McArthur with 
his regiment was stationed for several months 
at Paducah, and from there was ordered to 
Fort Henry. At Fort Donelson he was ac- 
ting Brigadier, and in the fierce conflict dis- 
played such intrepidity, coolness and daring, 
as to win his General's commission. He was 
next engaged on the field of Shiloh, where, 
on the firit day, he was wounded by a ball 
passing through his foot, which disabled him 
for above a month. At the expiration of this 
time, he again joined his brigade in the 
army of the Tennessee under Major General 
Grant, and is now in command of a division 
comprising eleven regiments. 




GEN. PRENTISS. 




GEN. MCaRTHUE. 



SKETCHES OP ILLINOIS OFFICEKS. 



19 



OEPf. PREIVTISS. 



Brigadier General Benjamin F. Prentiss 
vi-fis born on the 23d day of November, 1819, 
at Belleville, Wood county, Virginia. In 1835, 
he, with his father, Henry L. Prentiss, re- 
moved from Virginia to Missouri, and whilst 
residing there, and before becoming of age, 
he commanded a company raised during the 
Mormon troubles in that State. 

In 1841, Gen. Prentiss, with his father's 
family, removed from Missouri to Quincy, 
Adams county, Illinois, where Gen. Prentiss 
has since resided. There he supported and 
educated himself by working at his trade, 
which is that of a rope maker. 

In 1844, the troubles between the authori- 
ties of Illinois and the Mormons, then under 
the leadership of Joe Smith, commenced. 
Prentiss at that time was First Lieutenant of 
the Quincy Rifles, then and for some time af- 
terwards under the command of Capt. (now 
Brigadier General) James D. Morgan. He, 
with his Captain and company, went to Han- 
cock county, where the Mormons were, and 
again, in 1845, did good service in keeping 
peace and preserving order. He was retained 
for several months in Hancock county, on 
duty with his company during the continu- 
ance of the Mormon difficulties. 

At the commencement of the Mexican war, 
he was among the first to volunteer, with his old 
Captain, James D. Morgan, and many of the 
former Quincy Rifles, and join the 1st Regi- 
ment Illinois Volunteers, under Col. Hardin. 
When the regiment was organized, he was 
appointed by Col. Hardin, Adjutant, and did 
duty as such with his regiment until they 
arrived at Moaclova, when he was elected 
Captain of a company in the same regiment, 
which he commanded until its term of service 
expired. He was succeeded as Adjutant by 
William H. L. Wallace, who lost his life at 
Shiloh, fighting side by side with Prentiss, 
who was ever his warm friend. James D. 
Morgan and Prentiss were posted at Saltillo 
at the time of the battle of Buena Vista, and 
under orderg from Gen. Taylor held that post 
against a greatly superior force of the enemy. 
The two companies under command of Mor- 
gan (who was the ranking Captain) and Pren- 
tiss (who was hie junior), were regarded as 



among the best drilled and most eflicient of 
the volunteer companies in Gen. Taylor's col- 
umn in the Mexican war. 

After the termination of the war, Capt. 
Prentiss returned to Quincy, and followed his 
business as a rope maker for several years, 
when he commenced business as a forwarding 
and commission merchant, which he con- 
tinued until the breaking out of the rebellion. 
The news of the fall of Sumter reached Quin- 
cy on Sunday morning, and the next Sunday, 
Prentiss, with two hundred brave men, com- 
posed in part of the Quincy Rifles, which he 
reorganized, were on their way to Cairo, 111. 
He was elected Colonel of the 7th Regiment, 
and as soon as a brigade could be got together, 
he was elected, by a large majority, Brigadier 
General of the Illinois troops, in service under 
the three months call. His old commander 
and friend, James D. Morgan, who was Lieut. 
Colonel of his regiment, became Colonel upon 
Prentiss becoming Brigadier General. Mor- 
gan could have been Colonel of another regi- 
ment at the same time Prentiss was made 
Colonel, but he preferred to serve under Pren- 
tiss, and wished afterwards, when he became 
Colonel, to be assigned to Prentiss' brigade. 

When the three months service ceased, Gen. 
Prentiss was appointed Brigadier General of 
Volunteers, by the President, for the war. 
During the three months service he was in 
command at Cairo. After that service ended, 
and almost as soon as he was appointed for the 
war, he was ordered into Southern Missouri, 
and there fitted out and conducted a large ex- 
pedition from Pilot Knob, through Southern 
Missouri. Being relievedby Gen. Grant at Cape 
Girardeau, he was ordered to North Missouri, 
where, with a small command, he kept the 
secessionists and traitors of that region per- 
fectly quiet, the only period since the rebellion 
commenced that quiet and peace have been 
thoroughly preserved there, except for a short 
time whilst Col. John Glover, who succeeded 
him, was in command. A short time before 
the battle of Shiloh, Gen. Prentiss was re- 
lieved from duty in North Missouri, and or- 
dered to report to Maj. Gen. Grant, which he 
did at once at Pittsburgh Landing, where he 
arrived only two or three days before the bat- 



20 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



tie. Gen. Prentiss was at once ordered to the 
front, and regiments assigned to his command, 
composed of good men, but they were mostly 
new troops, very few of whom had ever been 
under fire. Prentiss' command was not sur- 
prised on Sunday morning, April 6th, as has 
been erroneously stated, but, on the contrary, 
was in line of battle early in the morning, and 
fought, almost on their own ground, from nine 
o'clock in the morning until half-past four in 
the evening, when, being unsupported and al- 
most surrounded by overwhelming numbers of 
the enemy, he was compelled to surrender. 

In the thick underbrush where they made 
their last stand, with McClernand's division on 
the left and Hurlbut's on the right, almost 
every shrub and bush was struck by bullets, 
and no spot on the field exhibited evidences of 
more desperate fighting, excepting the '* Bat- 
talion Drill Ground." The last time Gen. 
Prentiss met Gen. Hurlbut, he asked him, 
" Can you hold your line ?" and was answered, 
"I think I can." Not long after, Hurlbut 
sent a messenger to inform him that he was 
forced back, but he was probably killed, as the 



message was never received. About the same 
time, McClemand was forced back, and Pren- 
tiss, without knowing that his supports were 
gone, held his position. The enemy, both on 
his right and left, were nearly half a mile in 
his rear before he discovered it, and his cap- 
ture was inevitable. 

In 1860, Gen. Prentiss was the candidate of 
the Republican party for Congress, in the 
Fifth Congressional District, in Illinois, but 
the district being largely Democratic, he was 
defeated by his competitor, William A. Rich- 
ardson. Gen. Prentiss is an active, energetic 
man, always ready for any emergency, and 
perfectly temperate in his habits, having never 
drank any spirituous liquors. His personal 
courage is undoubted. He does not know what 
fear is. The writer has seen his courage tried 
in many modes, and he has always proved him- 
self to be cool and prepared for whatever may 
occur, and equal to the occasion. Should 
he be exchanged, he will be found, as evei; 
amongst the foremost, fighting for his govern- 
ment and the country he loves so well. 



COL. K,OBER,XS. 



Col. Geoeob W. Bobests is a native of West- 
chester county, Penn., where he was born, Oc- 
tober 2, 1833. After the necessary prepara- 
tion, he entered the sophomore class at Yale 
College, and graduated in 1857. Adopting the 
law as his profession, he studied in his native 
county, where he was admitted to the bar, and 
continued to practice until the spring of 1859, 
when he removed to Chicago. There, while in 
thj successful exercise of his profession, he 
determined to enter the army, and in company 
with David Stuart, began recruiting for the 
42d Regiment Illinois Volunteers. On the 22d 
of July, he received his commission as Major 
of the regiment, and on the 17th of September 
was elected Lieut. Colonel. Upon the death 
of Col. Webb, Dec. 24, 1861, he was elected 
Colonel. With his regiment Col. Roberts took 
part in the well known march of Gen. Fremont 



to Springfield, after which the 42d went into 
quarters at Smithtown, Mo. After the fall 
of Fort Donelson, the Colonel proceeded with 
his regiment to Fort Holt, near Cairo, where 
he held command of the post, at that time 
garrisoned by the 42d Illinois, 8th Ohio, 
and a battery of the 2d Illinois artillery. 
From there Col. Roberts was ordered to Co- 
lumbus, after its evacuation by the enemy, and 
next proceeded to Island No. 10, where he per- 
formed most valuable service during a night 
expedition, in spiking a number of guns. The 
regiment was next ordered to Fort Pillow, and 
from there accompanied Gen. Pope up the 
Tennessee, and took part in the engagement at 
Farmington. At the time of the evacuation 
of Corinth by the rebels, Col. Roberts had 
command of Palmer's brigade. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



21 



OEIV. BXJFOM>. 



The subject of this sketch, Bi'igadier General 
Napoleon B. Buford, was born on the 13th 
of January, 1807, in Woodford county, Ken- 
tucky. His father was Col. John Buford, a 
popular, patriotic and generous man, who was 
grealty esteemed, and filled many important 
public stations worthily. He was seven years 
a member of the Legislature in Kentucky, 
and four years a Senator of Illinois. His 
mother was Nancy Hickman of Bourbon 
county, Kentucky. 

In the year 1823, at the age of 16, Napoleon 
B. Buford was appointed a cadet, by the in- 
fluence of Col. Richard M. Johnson, whose 
notice he had attracted while at school near 
his residence, and graduated at the West 
Point Military Academy with distinguished 
honor, in 1827, when he was commissioned a 
Lieutenant of Artillery. While in the army, 
which was for the period of eight years, he 
was a diligent student and an active officer. 
First stationed at the School of Practice at 
Fortress Monroe, it was here he commenced 
to employ his leisure in the study of law, and 
by the invitation of Col. Richard M. Johnson, 
he visited Washington, and was introduced by 
him to all the cabinet officers of the Presi- 
dent, John Quincy Adams. In the delightful 
family of Mr. Wirt, the Attorney-General, he 
made the acquaintance, which has since rip- 
ened into a warm friendship, of the Hon. S. 
P. Chase, now Secretary of the Treasury, then 
a law-student of Mr. Wirt, and a cherished 
member of his family. 

Lieutenant Buford was next, on the requisi- 
tion of the Governor of Kentucky, detailed as 
a Topographical Engineer, and made the first 
surveys of the Kentucky river, which led 
afterwards to its being converted into a noble 
canal, by a system of locks and dams. The 
following winter, at the instance of Mr. Bates, 
now Attorney-General, but then Member of 
Congress from Missouri, he was sent by the 
Secretary of War to survey the Des Moines 
and Rock Island rapids of the Mississippi 
river, which he executed with ability. 

In 1830, Lieut. Buford joined his regiment 
at Eastport, Maine, and with his regular gar- 
rison duties, resumed his legal studies. Gen. 
Scott granted him a leave of absence in 1831 



that he might enter the Law School of Harvard 
University, then presided over by Judge Story 
of the Supreme Court. It was at this time he 
became acquainted with his present wife, Miss 
Mary Ann Greenwood, of Ne wburyport, Mass. , 
a lady of rare merit, whose virtues have al- 
ways shone brightly ; who has always been 
beloved, but perhaps never so much as by the 
noble officers and men of the 27th Regt. 111. 
Volunteers after the battle of Belmont, who 
were the witnesses of her ministrations to the 
wounded, and for a period of months, to her 
pious deportment. They were not married 
until after a separation of 27 years, and if we 
were permitted to tell the story of their pure 
intercourse, sweet remembrances, useful lives, 
and happy union, our short biography would 
grow into a romance, illustrating the adage, 
that "Truth is stranger than fiction." 

In 1833, Lieut. Buford was appointed one 
of the assistant Professors of Natural and 
Experimental Philosophy at West Point, the 
duties of which occupied him until 1835, when 
called by his native State as one of her Civil 
Engineers, he resigned his commission in the 
army, and was engaged in the public improve- 
ments of Kentucky, until 1842. During most 
of this time he was the resident Engineer of 
the Licking river slack-water navigation, and 
made his winter residence in Cincinnati. 
There he again enjoyed the society of the 
Hon. S. P. Chase, and also of Judge Burnet, 
Judge McLean, Bishop Mcllvaine (who was 
his Professor at West Point), Hon. Larz. 
Anderson, Prof, (now Maj. General) Mitchell, 
Prof. Parker, Prof. Gross, Dr. Lyman Beecher, 
and others ever to be remembered. 

In 1843, Mr. Buford removed from Cincin- 
nati to Rock Island, Illinois, his present 
home, where he engaged actively in business. 
He was a merchant, iron-founder and banker 
successively. The monuments of his industry 
still adorn the beautiful city of Rock Island. 
He was one of the originators of the Chicago 
and Rock Island Railroad ; for several years 
one of its directors, and subsequently Presi- 
dent of the Rock Island and Peoria Railroad. 

The breaking out of the rebellion was ruin- 
ous to his banking business, as he had $200,- 
000 invested in State bonds, which lost half 



22 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



of their market value on the fall of Fort Sum- 
ter. Bred a soldier, he felt it his duty to 
volunteer in the service of his country, but 
the prostration of his credit, by the fall of the 
bonds, made it imperative that he should, in 
person, settle up his business, and liquidate 
his obligations, by the delivering of his large 
real and personal estate ; and faithfully did 
he do it. At the time of the battle of Bull's 
Run he was at Washington asking for a com- 
mission in the regular army. The Secretary 
of War referred him to his own State. He 
offered his services to Gov. Yates, and before 
he could get an answer. Gov. Dennison, of 
Ohio, unsolicited, offered him a Colonel's com- 
mission. He preferred his own State, Illinois, 
and as soon as ten companies were mustered 
into the service at Camp Butler, Gov. Yates, 
on the 10th of August, 1861, commissioned 
him Colonel of the 27th Regt. Illinois Volun- 
teers, which he marched to Cairo, and in a 
very short time he had it in a thorough state 
of discipline. 

On the 7th of November, 1861, occurred the 
battle of Belmont. In this bloody contest, the 
27th Regiment bore a distinguished and an 
lionorable part. It was first in the action ; it 
was the last out. It captured the enemy's 
camp, tore down the rebel flag, secured 75 
prisoners of war, burned up his tents, killed 
the horses and drove off the gunners from 
Watson's New Orleans Battery, and with the 
loss of 13 killed and 42 wounded, secured a 
complete victory on the right of the line. 
When the centre and left of our line was over- 
borne with overwhelming numbers, which had 
been landed from Columbus during the en- 
gagement, the 27th Regiment, led by its 
Colonel, retired by the same route it had 
entered into the field, securing its prisoners 
and its honor. When it came in sight of the 
river, the transports and gunboats were 
steaming far up on their way to Cairo, all 
thinking the gallant 27th was cut off, but they 
marched steadily forward, and at nightfall a 
transport and gunboat had been halted for 
them, 12 miles from the battle-field, and from 
their barracks the next morning they emerged 
fresh and vigorous. They were now veterans ! 

Before this battle, strict discipline, the 
necessity for which it was difficult for newly 
enlisted volunteers to comprehend, had made 
Col. Buford unpopular with a part of his com- 



mand, but those who most complained of the 
Colonel before the battle, were most sincere 
in their praises after it was over. 

In the month of February, 1862, at the re- 
quest of Commodore Foote, Col. Buford was 
given the command of the troops that should 
accompany the Flotilla, and with the gun- 
boats he made two reconnoisances near 
Columbus, but no attack was made. General 
Halleck's mastei'ly movement up the Tennes- 
see, and the glorious victories of Fort Henry 
and Fort Donelson, had made it evident that 
Columbus must be evacuated. On the 4th of 
March he took possession of that strongly 
fortified position, which had been plundered 
and evacuated by the rebels, but still leaving 
immense ordnance stores, which he secured. 

On the 14th of March the Flotilla moved 
down to attack Island No. 10, attended by 
Col. Buford, with three regiments of infantry, 
one field battery of artillery, one siege 
battery, and one company of cavalry. On 
arriving, the water overflowed the banks so as 
to render land operations almost impossible. 
The gunboats took up their position, tlie 
mortar boats lashed to the shore, and Col. 
Buford, from the 14th of March to the 8th of 
April, maintained a strong guard to cover the 
mortar boats, and daily made reconnoisances, 
the first of which was to send a communica- 
tion by the hands of his Adjutant, across the 
peninsula, by the route the canal was after- 
wards cut, to announce to General Pope his 
arrival. The bombardment continued twenty- 
four days, during all of which time the 
enemy maintained a post at Union City, 15 
miles south of Hickman, and made several 
demonstrations on Columbus and Hickman. 

If the enemy had been permitted to estab- 
lish himself at any point on the Mississippi 
river stronger than Col. Buford's command, 
and he at Humboldt 86 miles by railroad 
south of Hickman, had five times as large a 
force, it would have led to the most ruinous 
consequences. Col. Buford had already 
weakened his force at Island No. 10, by 
stationing four companies of infantry, three 
companies of cavalry, and one company of 
artillery at Hickman. 

To secure his position, it was indispensable 
that the post of the enemy at Union City 
should be broken up. Col. Buford was equal 
to the occasion. On the 30th of March he left 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



23 



Island No. 10, with his own regiment, the 27th 
Illinois, the 16th TVisconsin, Col. Heg, and 
suddenly landed at Hickman. He summoned 
Lieut. Col. Hogg, with his three companies of 
cavalry, and one company of artillery, and 
pushed out for Union City at 3 p. m., captur- 
ing and detaining every person he encountered 
on the road. He proceeded 10 miles before it 
became too dark to go further. He bivouacked 
4 miles from Union City, and secured all the 
people in the four nearest farms. He marched 
again at dawn, passing six farms, populous 
with masters and slaves, detaining all as he 
went, and got within a quarter of a mile of 
the enemy before he was discovered. His line 
of battle was formed, his cavalry charged, his 
artillery opened fire, and the enemy, consist- 
ing of 1400 infantry and cavalry, under the 
command of Cols. Pickett and Jackson, aban- 
doned their camp and ran in all directions. 
He burned both camps, one of tents, the other 
huts, destroyed all their commissary and ord- 
nance stores, captured 3 flags, 16 prisoners, 
110 horses and mules, 12 wagons, 200 stand 
of arms, and returned in triumph to the 
Flotilla before sunset, his troops marching 30 
miles in 24 hours. The post was never re- 
established. 

On his return to the Flotilla, he was con- 
gratulated by Commodore Foote and all the 
officers of the Navy. The Assistant Secretary 
of War, Col. T. A. Scott, was present, and 
telegraphed the successful result of the enter- 
prise, and was answered the same day, April 
1st — " The President has nominated Colonel 
Buford of Illinois, a Brigadier General," and 
he was confirmed a few days after by the 
Senate. 

On the night of the 7th of April, Island No. 
10 was surrendered to Commodore Foote, who 
immediately turned it over to General Buford, 
who took possession of it before dawn. The 
works on the main shore were evacuated the 
same day, and the troops had all surrendered 
to Gen. Pope. The whole enemy's forces, 100 
cannon, with 100 rounds of ammunition for 
each gun, 5 steamboats and 2 wharf boats 
filled with stores, were captured. 

General Buford was then attached to the 
Army of the Mississippi ; the troops and the 
Flotilla went down to attack Fort Pillow ; the 
overflow left no foothold for the troops ; and 
Gen. Halleck ordered the army to join him 



at Pittsburg Landing, which they did on the 
24th of April. 

Since that time General Buford has com- 
manded one of the brigades that invested 
Corinth, and since its evacuation has led his 
troops in the pursuit of the enemy to Boone- 
ville and Ripley. 

On the 11th of July, 1862, on the invitation 
of the officers of the 27th Regiment, General 
N. B. Buford, accompanied by the regimental 
commanders of his brigade, Col. Sanborn, 
4th Minnesota, Col. Boomer, 26th Missouri, 
Col. Alexander, 59th Indiana, Col. Eddy, 48th 
Indiana, and Lieut. Col. Matthias, of the 5th 
Iowa, went to the headquarters of the 27th 
Regiment, at their camp on Clear Creek, near 
Corinth, where they were received by Col. 
Harrington, and the officers of the regiment, 

Lieut. Stout, having been selected to make 
the presentation, said : 

General Buford : The commissioned officers 
of the 27th Regiment desire to present you a 
slight testimonial of the great regard they 
entertain for their former commander. To 
their kind partiality am I indebted for the 
honor of being selected to make the presenta- 
tion ; and while I highly appreciate the favor 
conferred, I have to regret that their choice 
did not fall upon one more competent to rep- 
resent them. 

Sir, it has been the good fortune of most of 
the officers of this regiment to have partici- 
pated with you in some of those stirring scenes 
which have transpired since this accursed 
rebellion was inaugurated. The part the 
regiment bore on those trying occasions it is 
unnecessary to enumerate here — it is a portion 
of the history of our common country, and as 
such will ever find a prominent place in its 
pages ! I trust, however, it will not be con- 
sidered inappropriate if I should particularly 
allude to one of those occasions well calculated 
to " try men's souls." Sir, I refer to the 
bloody field of Belmont. It was there that the 
confidence in the soldierly qualities of our 
commander culminated, and we felt proud of 
our noble leader ! And from that time until 
the present I am happy to state, that nothing 
has occurred calculated to impair the great re- 
spect created on that memorable day ! On the 
contrary — and the officers here present will 
guarantee the truth of my assertion — if I were 
to go among the men of the 27th Regiment, 
and say to them: — ^^ Forward boys! Buford 
leads the column !" there would be none wanting 
to constitute a "forlorn hope," or " storm the 
deadly breach !" In the course of events it 
became necessary for you to leave us, to 
assume the arduous duties of a more important 
command, and while we regretted the separa- 
tion, we consoled ourselves with the reflection, 



24 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICEKS. 



to you it was a "reward of merit," and for 
the country's good ! But, sir, we have not 
forgotten the ^am it gave you to separate from 
your old regiment, and your farewell words 
still linger in our ears. We feel that we are 
greatly your debtors. For chiefly to your 
energy and perseverance is this regiment 
under obligations for the enviable position it 
holds among the justly celebrated volunteers 
of Illinois. As a slight indication of our 
regard, we present you this beautiful sword 
and these epaulettes. Sir, the sword is the 
most fitting testimonial a warrior can receive. 
And we have the confidence to believe that 
yours will only be used in the sacred cause of 
" truth and justice," and that it will never be 
laid aside so long as an armed foe to our 
"starry flag" exists upon our soil. Of these 
" epaulettes" I will only say, " may their stars 
increase in number." Accept these " our 
gifts," and may we, before another year is 
numbered with the mighty past, witness on 
the American continent the rise of a "Napo- 
leon," whose military genius shall astonish 
the world anew ; who will bring peace to this 
distracted land and confer additional lustre 
upon a name already famous in the world's 
history. 

A sword, belt, sash, a pair of epaulettes, 
field glass and a pair of spurs were then pre- 
sented to General Buford, who received them 
from the hands of the officers, and then replied 
as follows : 

Lieutenant Stout, and Gentlemen of the 27th 
Regiment of Illinois Volunteers : I am deeply 
sensible of the honor you do me in presenting 
me these beautiful and valuable testimonials 
of your approbation and regard. I accept 
them with heartfelt pleasure, and shall treas- 



ure them as long as I may live, and transmit 
them to my children as an heirloom. 

Educated by my country, I belong to her. 
When this unnatural rebellion broke out, I 
tendered my services to her, and was exceed- 
ingly fortunate in being assigned to the 
command of the 27th Regiment of Illinois 
Volunteers. For nearly one year my name 
and my fame were connected with yours, and 
happy have I been in the connection. Your 
deeds have shed undying honor on your names, 
reflected honor which has fallen upon me. 
Our connection was honorable. It was only 
severed by my promotion, and not until you 
had, by your good conduct and valor, won an 
imperishable name, and the pen of history 
had honorably connected you with Belmont, 
Union City, and Island No. 10 ; and upon your 
banner I hope to see these names inscribed. 
You have won them, and a grateful country 
will award them to you. 

The love of glory is the inspiration of a 
soldier. To me glory and virtue are synony- 
mous terms. You were not surprised that I 
accepted a promotion in the service of our 
common country. But it has not separated 
us. You are all personally dear to me. We 
will continue together in the honorable service 
of our glorious Union, until its banner float* 
over all the States, the Constitution re-estab- 
lished, and peace restored. We shall then 
retire to our homes, where I shall always 
dearly cherish the sweet memories connected 
with the 27th Regiment. 

To you. Lieutenant Stout, I must make my 
acknowledgements for the flattering terms in 
which you have been pleased to make this 
presentation. You overrate my merits ; but 
warm hearts always overflow. To you, to the 
oflScers, and to the men of the gallant 27th, I 
again express my heartfelt acknowledgements. 



COL. TR^XJE. 



The subject of this sketch, Col. James M. 
Teub, was born in Scott county, Ky., on the 
14th of October, 1823. His father moved to 
Coles county, Illinois, during the fall of 1834. 
Young True's early days were spent on a farm, 
with very limited educational facilities. At 
the age of nineteen, he engaged in business 
for himself, attending school most of the first 
year after he left home. He settled on a farm, 
and continued to follow the occupation of a 
farmer until 1850, when he went into the dry 
goods business, in Charleston, 111., at which 
place he remained until August, 1855. He 
then removed to Mattoon, 111., continuing the 
same business. At the breaking out of the 
rebellion, he took an active part in making up 
the first companies from his section of the 



country. He entered the service on the 2d 
day of August, 1861, as Captain of Co. E, in 
the 38th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. He 
went with that regiment into Southeastern 
Missouri, participated in the battle of Fred- 
ericktown, on the 2l8t of October. On thelst 
day of December last, he received the appoint- 
ment of Colonel of the 62d Regiment Illinois 
Volunteers, from the Governor. Since that 
time he has been with his regiment, drilling and 
disciplkiing it, until it is now one of the best 
in the service. 

During the life of the old Whig party. Col. 
True was a zealous Clay Whig, and since the 
organization of the Republican party, he has 
been a prominent member of that party in his 
county. 



SKETCHES OP ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



26 



COL. m:xhl.lig^a]v. 



Col. James A. Mulligan, the hero of Lex- 
ington, was born in Utica, N. Y., on the 25th 
of June, 1830, of Irish parents, and is de- 
votedly attached to the land of his parentage. 
He removed to Chicago in the fall of 1836, 
graduated at the University of St. Mary's of 
the Lake, in June, 1850, being its first gradu- 
ate, and receiving the degree of Master of Arts. 
During the same year he entered the law office 
of Judge Dickey, remaining there one year, 
when he accompanied Stevens, the traveler, 
in his exploring expedition through South 
America. Returning to Chicago in 1852, he 
entered the law office of J. T. Scammon, with 
whom he remained a few months. He then 
studied three years with Arnold, Larned & 
Lay. During this time he edited a weekly 
Catholic paper, called the Western Tablet. In 
November, 1855, he was admitted to the bar. 
From that time until the breaking out of the 
war, he practiced at the Chicago bar, if we 
except the winter of '58, when he held an ap- 
pointment in the Indian Bureau, under Bu- 
chanan, which he resigned to come home and 
stump the State for Judge Douglas. He was 
connected with the Chicago Shields Guard, of 
which he was for some time commandant. In 
October, 1858, he was married by the Rt. Rev. 
Bishop Duggan, to Miss Marian Nugent, an 
accomplished lady of Chicago. Immediately 
after the fall of Sumter, a meeting was held 
at North Market Hall, Chicago, having for its 
object the organization of an Irish regiment. 
Three days afterwards the regiment was ten- 
dered, full, by the Colonel to Gov. Yates. It 
was the first regiment offered as a body from 
Illinois, and the first Irish organization in the 
Northwest. The Governor refused it. Col. 
Mulligan, who had been elected Major, went 
on to Washington, tendered the regiment to 
the President direct, and it was accepted by 
the Secretary of War. Col. Mulligan return- 
ing, the regiment was rapidly organized, 
meeting, however, with considerable delay in 
the Quartermaster's Department. 

The Irish Brigade were mustered into the 
service on the 15th of June, 1861. Col. Mul- 
ligan was elected Colonel without a dissenting 
vote. The regiment left Chicago on the 16th 
of July, 1861, 1064 strong. They went to 



Quincy ; from there started down the Missis- 
sippi to St. Louis. Remaining there a day, 
they went to JeflFerson City, and on the first 
day of September, left for Lexington, with 
orders to cut their way through. They reached 
their destination in safety, on the 9th of Sep- 
tember. Col. Mulligan immediately took 
command of the post, which consisted of the 
14th Missouri, 1st Illinois cavalry, five pieces 
of artillery, and the Brigade — in all about 
three thousand. On the 10th, the Colonel was 
informed of the approach of Price on Lex- 
ington, and immediately commenced fortify- 
ing. On the evening of the 11th the engage- 
ment opened by Gen. Price, with 28,000 men. 
At early dawn, on the 12th, the engagement 
recommenced. The siege continued nine 
days, and on Friday, the 20th of September, 
the garrison was surrendered. The officers 
and men were paroUed. Col. Mulligan de- 
terminedly refused the parole, and was held 
by the rebel General as a prisoner of war, but 
treated with every courtesy. On the 25th of 
November he was exchanged for Gen. Frost, 
of Camp Jackson. Returning to Chicago, 
Col. Mulligan immediately commenced reor- 
ganizing his regiment. An order was, how- 
ever, received from Gen. Halleck, mustering 
the men and officers out of service. The 
Colonel then, at the request of his officers, 
repaired to Washington, where he was warmly 
received by the President, who profi"ered him 
a brigade, which he refused, because his reg- 
iment would thus be thrown out of service. 
Gen. McClellan, in a general order, considered 
the Irish Brigade as " continuously in the 
service from the date of their original muster 
in." The Colonel then made a short tour 
through the Eastern States, lecturing for dif- 
ferent benevolent purposes. 

The regiment was reorganized, and sta- 
tioned at Camp Douglas, guarding the rebel 
prisoners. Col. Mulligan having command of 
the post. On the 16th of June, 1862, the Irish 
Brigade left Chicago, and are now at New 
Creek, Va., on the line of the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad (the Middle Department). Col. 
Mulligan has command of the post, consisting 
of four infantry regiments, a battery, and a 
company of cavalry. 



26 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



COL. CAJEII^IIS. 



William P. Carlin -was born on a farm 
in Greene county, Illinois, on the 34tli of No- 
vember, 1829. His father, William Carlin, 
then a farmer, was for many years subsequent 
to his birth, Clerk of the County and Circuit 
Court of Greene county. He was the youngest 
brother of Thomas Carlin, once Governor of 
Illinois. In 1846, at the age of sixteen, young 
Carlin entered the U. S. Military Academy at 
West Point, where he graduated in 1850. Re- 
ceiving an appointment as brevet 2d Lieuten- 
ant in the 6th U. S. Infantry, he joined his 
company, then at Fort Snelling, Minnesota 
Territory, where he remained till promoted, 
April 15th, 1851, to a Second Lieutenancy. 
This change took him to Fort Ripley, Minn., 
125 miles above Snelling, where he served till 
October, 1854. His regiment was then or- 
dered to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., to recruit, 
preparatory to going to California. But the 
massacre of Lieut. Grattan and his command, 
near Fort Laramie, and the generally dis- 
turbed condition of Indian affairs on the 
western plains, changed its destination. His 
regiment formed a part of the Sioux Expedi- 
tion, under Gen. Harney, and Lieut. Carlin 
marched in the spring of 1855 to Fort Lara- 
mie, N. T. In the summer of '65, he com- 
manded a detachment of infantry and a bat- 
tery of prairie howitzers, on an expedition, 
under Capt. C. S. Lovell, to Fort Pierce, on 
the Missouri river. The march was 325 miles 
to Fort Pierce, and the same distance return- 
ing — thus they marched 650 miles on that ex- 
pedition. On his return, Lieut. Carlin was 
stationed on the Black Hills, guarding a gov- 
ernment sawmill, till November, when he re- 
ceived command of his company, D, 6th 
Infantry, in consequence of the Captain's 
absence. On the 3d of March, 1855, he had 
been promoted to a First Lieutenancy. Du- 
ring the winter of '55-6, he was stationed at 
Fort Laramie, and till July, 1856, when he 
was ordered to Platte River Bridge, 125 miles 
west of Laramie, to protect the emigration to 
and from California. Returning in September 
to Laramie, he was appointed Assistant Quar- 
termaster and Acting Assistant Commissary 
of Subsistence, at the post, in addition to the 
command of his company. 



In 1857, Lieut. Carlin joined the expedition 
of Col. (now Gen.) Sumner, against the Chey- 
enne Indians, then hostile to our people. As 
that was an Indian expedition, its history has 
never been written. They had but one fight, 
July 30th, on Solomon's Peak, Kansas river. 
The Indians were routed, and never after- 
wards seen by our troops, till a treaty of peace 
had been made. When this expedition was 
ordered, Lieut. Carlin had a leave of absence, 
but relinquished it for the sake of joining the 
expedition. After marching over the plains 
for four months — three weeks of which time 
living on buffalo meat and poor beef, without 
bread, coffee, pepper, salt, or anything but 
the meats mentioned, they were ordered to 
Salt Lake City. They had then marched over 
500 miles after the Indians. The order was, 
however, countermanded, and they were sent 
into Kansas, to preserve order at the October 
elections. Reaching Fort Leavenworth in 
October, Lieut. Carlin availed himself of the 
leave of absence referred to. But four weeks 
before his leave of absence expired, he was 
ordered to return to his regiment, which was 
then under orders to march to Salt Lake, to 
the relief of Gen. A. S. Johnston, command- 
ing the Utah Expedition. At Leavenworth he 
was appointed Regimental Commissary, and 
acted in that capacity till the arrival of the 
regiment at Fort Bridger, late in July. Their 
route was through Bridger's Pass, south of 
the old emigrant route, until then untracked 
and untravelled, except by a few trappers and 
Indians. At Medicine Bow river, Lieut. Car- 
lin was sent forward with the engineer com- 
pany and a detachment of infantry, to open 
the road, build bridges, etc. For nearly a 
hundred miles they had to construct their 
road and to build many bridges, the timbers 
for which were necessarily hauled a great 
distance. On arriving at Bridger, and finding 
that their services were not required — the 
rebel Mormons having accepted the pardon of 
President Buchanan — they received orders to 
continue their march to California. After a 
long and dreary march, the detachment ar- 
rived at Benecia, California, Nov. 16th. They 
had been delayed three weeks at Bridger, for 
want of supplies, and experienced perhaps 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



27 



ten days' delay in consequence of having to September, he assumed command of all the 
build the road. Including these delays, their forces there, by virtue of senior commission. 
Qiarch from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to From this time forward, he has been constantly 
Benecia, CaL, a distance of 2,250 miles, oc- engaged in the war. On the 21st of October, 
cupied just five months. They had little time 1861, very early in the morning, Col. Carlin 
to rest at Benecia. In December, Lieut. Car- entered Fredericktown, with the 21st, 33d and 
tin's company was ordered to march to the 38th Illinois volunteers, the 8th Wisconsin 
bead of Russian river, into the Indian coun- volunteers, Capt. Mauter's battery, Ist Mis- 
try, about 100 miles north of Benecia. After souri light artillery, and about 400 of the 1st 
remaining there, endeavoring to preserve peace Indiana cavalry. When they marched from 
between the whites and Indians, for nine Pilot Knob, on the 20th of October, at 3 o'clock, 
months, Lieut. C. was assigned to the command he had precise information as to the where- 
of Fort Bragg, in Mendocino county, directly abouts of Jeff. Thompson and his forces, and 
on the Pacific coast. There he remained for had based all his plans on the expectation that 
nine months more — without the society of he would remain where he was for a few hours 
any other officer, and with but two or three longer ; and so he would, but for the unfor- 
companionable citizens within a day's ride, tunate occurrence now to be related. Col. J. 
In May, 1860, he was detailed for general re- B. Plummer was marching from Cape Girar- 
cruiting service, and embarked for New York, deau, to find Thompson, and unfortunately 
where he arrived June 13th, 1860. He was sent a despatch by one of his Sergeants, for 
assigned to the station of Buffalo, N. Y., and the commanding officer at Pilot Knob. This 
entered upon the duties on the 1st of July, dispatch bearer went directly along the main 
1860, remaining there during the whole of road leading to Thompson's camp, and was, 
the exciting political campaign, but taking of course, arrested by the rebel picket. The 
no part therein. On the first call of Presi- dispatch was delivered to Thompson, and he 
dent Lincoln for troops, Lieut. Carlin received immediately availed himself of the informa- 
the unanimous vote of the officers of the 74th tion it contained, and started on his retreat, 
N. Y. S. M., at Buffalo, for the positioii of marching twelve miles on the afternoon and 
Lieut. Colonel. The regiment was then under night of the 20th. Early next day, thinking 
orders for Washington — which orders were, his seizure of the dispatch would prevent the 
however, countermanded. Subsequently, the arrival of any force from Pilot Knob, Thomp- 
Secretary of War authorized him to raise a son made a move with the view of cutting off 
regiment of cavalry in western New York, Plummer, and routing him. But in finding 
but this authority having been sought by the latter, he found it necessary to return to 
other parties, against his wishes and without the vicinity of Fredericktown, where Col. 
his knowledge, he declined to act under it. Carlin's force was now united with Plummer's. 
He had resolved, if he entered the volunteer The result of the fight, and Col. Carlin's gal- 
service, to serve with those from his own lantry during the engagement, is well known. 
State, preferring that if ever he achieved a On the succession of Gen. Halleck to the 
desirable reputation, it should be in connec- command of the Department, he appointed 
tion with the sons of his native State. Fi- Col. C. to the command of the District of 
nally, on the 15th of August, 1861, Governor South-East Missouri, which he retained till 
Y'ates tendered him the Colonelcy of a regi- the column of Gen. Steele was organized for 
ment, which was immediately accepted. Gov. the purpose of marching through Arkansas. 
Kirkwood, of Iowa, at the same time tendered He commanded the 1st brigade of that column, 
him the Lieutenant Colonelcy of an Iowa reg- On their march southward, the advance guard 
iment, which, of course, he felt compelled to of his brigade, under Col. Hall Wilson, 5th 
decline. Col. Carlin joined his regimjent, the Illinois cavalry, attacked and routed a force 
38th Illinois Volunteers, at Camp Butler, Sep- of 150 rebels, strongly posted on Current 
tember 7th, 1862. On the 19th of the same river, opposite Doniphan. This occurred on 
month, he was ordered by Maj. Gen. Fremont, the 1st of April, 1862. About the 20th of 
then commanding Department of the Missouri, April, his brigade occupied Pocahontas, Ark., 
to Ironton, Mo. Arriving there on the 21st of till recently a rebel stronghold. Early in 



28 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



May, his brigade being several days in ad- 
vance, entered Jacksonport, Ark. It was 
here that the infantry regiments of the bri- 
gade, the 21st and 38th Illinois volunteers, 
received orders to go to Corinth, by forced 
marches, via Cape Girardeau, Mo. Col. Car- 
lin received the order at 9 o'clock p. m., on 
the 9th of May. On the 10th of May his bri- 
gade marched twenty miles. On the 20th of 
May, they arrived at Cape Girardeau, having 
been delayed one and a half days in ferrying 
Black and Current rivers — thus marching, in 
very hot weather, 212 miles in nine and a half 
days. His brave soldiers were eager to par- 



ticipate in the expected battle at Corinth. Oa 
the 24th of May the brigade reached Ham- 
burg, Tenn., and on the 26th joined Gen. 
Pope's army, at Farmington. On the 28th, 
29th and 30th of May, the brigade occupied 
the trenches on the extreme left of our posi- ' 
tion, while demonstrations were being made 
in front of Corinth. They participated in the 
march of Gen. Pope's army, in the rear of the 
retreating rebels, to Boonville, Miss. Since 
then Col. Carlin has served in the army of the 
Mississippi, commanded by Brigadier General 
Rosecranz, and now commands the 2d brigade, 
4th division. 



COL. CAM:EIiO]V. 



Daniel Cameron, Jr., commanding the 
65th (Scotch) Regt. 111. Volunteers, now in 
service in the valley of the Shenandoah, was 
born in the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, 
Scotland, on the 13th of April, 1828, and is 
consequently in the thirty-fifth year of his age. 
Though a borderer by birth, Col. Cameron is 
of Highland extraction (the family coming 
originally from Breadalbane, Perthshire), and 
is a lineal descendant of Cameron of Lochiel, 
who fell on the ever-memorable field of Cul- 
loden. After receiving a good English edu- 
cation, he was placed in his father's office, 
where he remained until he acquired, by prac- 
tical experience, a thorough knowledge of the 
" art preservative of arts," which proved so 
beneficial to him in after-life. Like most of 
the people of that good old town (for the world 
does not seem to whir there as it does here), he 
pursued the even tenor of his way, no event 
transpiring worthy of record, till the spring 
of 1851, when, in company with his family, 
he resolved to seek a more extended field of 
action — one which offered greater induce- 
ments to the industrious and enterprising than 
the little town of Berwick. Naturally he turned 
to the prairies of the West, and after com- 
pleting the necessary arrangements, sailed 
from Greenock on the 21st of May, and arrived 
in New York, July 8d, where, after spending 
a short time in visiting old friends, he resumed 
his journey, and finally settled near the vil- 



lage of Wheeling, in the northern part of the 
State of Illinois. 

Naturally of an ardent and ambitious tem- 
perament, and failing to appreciate the induce- 
ments or seclusion of a country life, he came 
to Chicago in the spring of 1864 — then in the 
zenith of her attractions — and shortly after- 
wards became connected with the Courant 
newspaper — which was merged into the Young 
America, and subsequently into the Chicago 
Daily Times, which latter journal obtained 
such an extended reputation from its being 
edited by the trenchant pen of James W. Shea- 
han, and being acknowledged as the home 
organ of the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas ; and 
was one of the proprietors of that journal du- 
ring the eventful campaigns of 1855, '56 and 
'58. In 1859 he disposed of his interest to Mr. 
Price, ex-postmaster of Chicago, and again 
took up his residence in the country, in the 
hope of recruiting his health, which had been 
failing for some time. 

In the spring of the following year he re- 
commenced business in Chicago — and shortly 
afterwards resumed the business management 
of the Times {yrltnok had again changed hands), 
which position he retained until it was pur- 
chased by AVilliam F. Storey, late of the De- 
troit Free Prett. 

In politics, it is almost unnecessary to state 
that Col. Cameron is, or rather was (for I do 
not know how recentevents may have changed 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICEKS. 



29 



8 opinions), an ardent Democrat, and the 
m, unwavering supporter of Stephen A. 
)uglas. He took a prominent part in every 
smocratic convention held in Chicago since 
55, and was for two years a member of the 
:ecutive Committee of Cook county. 
Shortly after the President issued his call 
r 300,000 troops, and when the glorious 79th 
Ighland Regiment of New York had vindica- 
i the valor of Scotchmen on more than one 
sll contested battle-field, the question was 
ked, why should Illinois lag ? The subject 
ce broached was put to a practical test, and 
;er encountering difiBculties which would 
ve dampened the ardor of those less deter- 
ned, he received special permission from 
e War Department and from Gov. Yates, to 
ise a regiment of infantry, to be known as 
3 Scotch Illinois. 

There is one feature in connection with the 
ising of this corps which is worthy of notice 
d commendation : no false or exaggerated 
iucements were held out. The truth was 
aply and plainly stated ; thus avoiding a 
olific source of recrimination and mutiny, 
id although the season was deemed inaus- 



picious, and fears entertained of its success, 
yet, with the energetic co-operation of his 
brother officers, he succeeded in raising a body 
of men of which any State or commander 
might be proud. After doing garrison duty 
for several months at Camp Douglas, in guard- 
ing the Fort Donelson prisoners, the regiment 
left Chicago, amid the "God-speed" of thou- 
sands, on the 24th of June, en route for Harper's 
Ferry, which was afterwards changed to Mar- 
tinsburg, Va., where they are at present sta- 
tioned, and which is the headquarters of the 
commissary department of the army of the 
Shenandoah, The regiment is, however, under 
the immediate command of Major Gen. Wool, 
stationed at Annapolis, to which point they 
expect daily to be ordered. 

Although the 65th has seen but little active 
service, we believe that when the hour of trial 
comes, it will not be found wanting, and will 
prove that Scottish valor has not degenerated 
by being transplanted to the prairie soil of 
Illinois — for 

" High, high are their hopes, for their chieftain has 
said, 
That whatever men dare they can do." 



COL. OZBXJRTS^. 



LiNDORF OzBUEN was bom May 19, 1824, 
Jackson county, Illinois, and until the age 
eighteen spent his life upon a farm, with- 
t having received during that period any 
ucational advantages. In 1842, he left 
me to enter the employment of a person 
gaged in the Indian trade, and for nearly 
years young Ozburn was trafficking among 
e Indians of Arkansas. At the expiration 
this time he was taken seriously ill, and as 
on as he recovered sufficiently to travel, he 
turned to the home of his childhood, and 
IS elected Deputy SheriflF of the county. At 
e breaking out of the Mexican war, Mr, 
;burn volunteered in an Illinois regiment, 
d was appointed First Sergeant of the com- 
,ny. He served throughout the war with 
stinction, and at its close returned to his 
ttive county, and engaged in the lumber 
ade. This business he continued with suc- 
ss until 1852, when he entered the well 



known "Dowdall Flour Mills," which he car- 
ried on until the breaking out of the rebel- 
lion, filling during the period of ten years, 
including 1861, several responsible county 
offices with great credit to himself and advan- 
tage to the public. When the call for volun- 
teers was made by the President, Mr. Ozburn 
at onoe enlisted as a private in the 31st Illi- 
nois Regiment, Col. John A. Logan, and was 
soon promoted to Regimental Quartermaster, 
in which position he served until Col. Logan's 
promotion to a Brigade Generalship, when 
Quartermaster Ozburn was unanimously elec- 
ted to the vacant Colonelcy, and by Gov. Yates 
was appointed, April Ist, 1862, to the com- 
mand of the 31 St. Col. Ozburn has been ac- 
tively engaged in the field ever since, with hia 
regiment, which now forms a part of the 1st 
Brigade of the Ist Division of the army of 
the Mississippi. 



30 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



COL. BltJ^-YMIAlV. 



Mason Bratman was born inBuflFalo, N.Y., 
May 23, 1813. His early life was spent on a 
farm, and his education limited to what could 
be learned in the district school. With David 
M. Day, of the Buffalo Journal, he began the 
trade of printer, and in the second year was 
made foreman of the office. He soon after 
commenced the study of the law, with Shel- 
don Smith, an attorney of high character and 
commanding ability, who died young. At 
twenty years of age, Mr. Brayman became 
editor of the BufiFalo Bulletin, a Democratic 
paper, supporting Gen. Jackson ; at twenty- 
two was admitted to the bar, and the year 
following married Miss Mary Williams, of 
Chatauque county, N. Y. 

In 1837, Mr. Brayman removed to the West, 
where he practiced law, and become the edi- 
tor of the Louisville Advertiser. In March, 
1842, he removed to Springfield, Illinois, where 
he practiced at the bar. In 1846, he revised 
the statute laws of Illinois, under the appoint- 
ment of Gov. Ford, and approved by ihe Leg- 
islature, which Murray McConnel facetiously 
called the " Bray-minical code." In 1846, 
Mr. Brayman was appointed by the Governor 
a special commissioner and attorney for the 
State, to prosecute offenders and restore the 
peace and happiness disturbed by the " Mor- 
mon War," aided by a military force. 

On the organization of the Illinois Central 
E. R. Co., in March, 1851, he was, in con- 
junction with the late Gov. Bissell, selected 
attorney and solicitor. Col. Bissell being a 
member of Congress, and in feeble health, 
Mr. Brayman was charged with the chief la- 
bor of organizing the operations of the Com- 
pany in Illinois, its legal business, right of 
way, the protection of its lands, the securing 
of depot grounds, etc., his ofSce and residence 
being in Chicago. He resigned in 1856. 

He soon after engaged in efforts to secure 
the construction of the Cairo and Fulton Rail- 
road, in Missouri and Arkansas, a line reach- 
ing from Cairo to the Texas boundary, con- 
necting south and west to Galveston and the 
Pacific — donated lands, 1,750,000 acres. He 
was President of both companies, and largely 
interested. The project was successful, until 



the beginning of the present troubles, which 
brought ruin, of course, upon the enterprise, 
and dissipated the prospect of the "Southern 
route to the Pacific." 

In August, 1861, Mr. Brayman was com- 
missioned by Gov. Yates Major of the 29th 
Regiment, forming part of Gen. McClernand's 
original brigade, and was appointed Chief of 
Staff and Assistant Adjutant General, which 
position his business experience and execu- 
tive ability eminently fitted him for. Nov. 7, 
1861, Major Brayman shared in the desperate 
battle of Belmont. Feb. 13, 14 and 16, 1862, 
he was constantly engaged and exposed 
throughout the contest at Fort Donelson. He 
was present at the battle of Shiloh, and encoun- 
tered danger to an unusual degree during the 
whole two days. His horse was shot, as he 
galloped forward to rescue Major Stewart, 
who was wounded near the enemy. At on« 
time, when the enemy were advancing to take 
two of our batteries, the supporting regimentji 
faltered, and Major Brayman seized the flaj 
of one of them, which lay on the ground, un- 
furled, and bore it up and down the front, anc 
rallied them again, passing repeatedly througl 
the enemy's volleys, but escaped unhurt. 

April 15th, Major Brayman took commanc 
of the 29th regiment, vice J. S. Reardon, re 
signed. Col. Brayman entered service ii 
feeble health, notwithstanding which he hai 
performed most severe labor, in the ofiBce anc 
field, transacting the business of the com 
mand, and been present at every march anc 
battle. Col. Brayman is an old line Democrat 
of the "Hard-Shell" species, and has sup 
ported every Democratic ticket and even 
Democratic President from Jackson dowi 
(what an immeasurable distance down!) U 
James Buchanan. He is unconquerably d* 
voted to the Union, and has an abiding faitl 
that all tcill yet be well, believing God to b( 
just, and his providences wisely directed. Hi 
has entire confidence in the ability, integrity 
and sagacity of Abraham Lincoln, and ii 
this crisis prefers him above any living man 
N. B. — The able editor, successful lawyer 
and gallant Colonel, expects to be a Democra 
again, when the war is over. 




rOL. BRAYMAN. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



31 



COL. CHETLAIIV. 



Augustus L. Chktlain was born in St. 
uis, Mo., on the 26th day of December, 
24. His parents, who are still living, are 
ench Swiss, and emigrated to this country 
t one year before his birth. As early as 
26, his family moved to Galena, 111., where 
jy have resided ever since. He received 

English education, and at the age of twen- 
left his father's farm, to make his way in 
i world. In 1850, he engaged in mercan- 
e business, and prosecuted it successfully 
r nine years, when he disposed of his in- 
rest, and spent the succeeding year travel- 
g on the continent of Europe. Taking an 
tive part in the political campaign of 1860, he 
•ongly and earnestly advocated the election 

Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency. 
The first gun from Sumter drew him, with 
ousands of others, to the ranks. As a great 
lirlwind attracts and gathers together a 
iltitude of things, so were gathered and 
aped in disorder, in the camps at Spring- 
Id, the thousands who rallied to the support 

our flag ; and from among the multitude 

applicants — for even a private position — he 
IS selected as Lieut. Colonel (with Gen. John 
cArthur as Colonel) of one of the six regi- 
jnts accepted from Illinois by the Govern- 
ent. Three months passed, and the old 12th 
as mustered out of the service. In the re- 
ganization for three years, he was again 
ected a Lieut. Colonel, the men feeling that 
ey could not do better. At this time the regi- 
ent was quartered at Cairo. In September, 
' order of Gen. Grant, it moved, with the 
h Illinois, on Paducah, Ky., and not a mo- 
ent too soon was this move made, for al- 
ady were a body of rebels moving toward 
e same point. Here he was one of the few 
ho gave their support to Gen. C. F. Smith, 
hen assailed by the press. 
About the close of September, Col. Chet- 
in, with a portion of his regiment, was or- 
jred by Gen. C. F. Smith (then in command 



at Paducah) to Smithland, Ky., to hold and 
fortify the place. Here he threw up fortifica- 
tions that won for him the praise of our best 
engineers. He continued in command of that 
military post four months, his troops increas- 
ing the meanwhile to some 150U men. Re- 
lieved in the command at Smithfield by Gen. 
Lew. Wallace, he returned to Paducah in time 
to take part in the attack on Fort Henry, his 
regiment forming part of Gen. Smith's divis- 
ion, which occupied the heights opposite, 
known as Fort Hindman. Crossing the riv- 
er in transports, they took their line of 
march for Fort Donelson. The disappoint- 
ment in not sharing the fight but rendered 
himself and command the more anxious to 
reach the foe. In this memorable struggle, 
on the morning of Saturday, the 15th of Feb- 
ruary, he, with the balance of Gen. McAr- 
thur's brigade, held the extreme right of the 
line, and kept in check for hours the over- 
whelming force under Gen. Floyd, who were 
endeavoring to cut their way out. At Shiloh 
he was again at the head of his regiment, 
having arisen from a sick bed to lead it. Its 
losses, especially in the last battle, were very 
heavy. His regiment testifies to his ability. 
A better drilled and disciplined regiment ia 
rarely met with. In military matters he 
proves a just leader. Always approachable, 
he concedes to all their rights, yet enforcing 
a strict obedience. Never overstepping his 
limits, he never shrinks from a duty. In ac- 
tion he is with his men cool and cautious, yet 
never turning back while there is a chance for 
success. In address and appearance, a per- 
fect gentleman. Thoroughly conversant with 
society, overflowing with anecdotes, he ever 
proves himself an agreeable and pleasing 
companion. On the 21st of April he was com- 
missioned Colonel of tke 12th Regiment, which 
is still with Maj. Gen.Grant'8army,and tookan 
active part in the siege of Corinth, Miss. 



32 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



COL. BAPiNES. 



Mteon S. Barnes, Colonel of the 37th Regi- 
ment Illinois Volunteers, was bom in Bangor, 
Franklin county, N. Y., March 4th, 1825. He 
received a liberal education, and during his 
studies learned the " art preservative of arts" 
— and became a printer. At the age of six- 
teen he became editor and proprietor of a 
■weekly newspaper, and continued in that busi- 
ness until the war between the United States 
and Mexico broke out, in 1846, when he laid 
down the pen, and replaced it with a musket, and 
served twelve months in the late Col. Wm. H. 
Bissell's 2d Illinois Regiment. He was at the 
battle of Buena Vista — received a wound, and at 
the end of the war was honorably discharged. 
On his return, he resumed his old profession, 
and purchased the Southport (now Kenosha, 
WiB.) American. He continued there until the 
fall of 1849, when he removed to Central New 
York, and shortly after became the editor and 
proprietor of the Independent Watchman, at 
Ithica, N. Y., where he remained till 1856. 
The paper was a temperance Whig paper, and 
then a temperance (Maine Law) Republican 
paper. Mr. Barnes represented the 27th Con- 
gressional District of New York in the Phila- 
delphia Republican Convention, which nomi- 
nated Fremont, and after the defeat of Fremont, 
in 1856, he removed to Chicago, and became 
the senior editor of the Chicago Daily Ledger, 
At a later date he removed to Rock Island coun- 
ty, and was at the time of the breaking out of 
the rebellion, editor of the Rock Island Daily 
BeffUter. 

In conjunction with Julius White, of Chicago, 
now a Brigadier General, he raised the 37th 
Regiment Illinois Volunteers, formerly known 
M the Fremont Rifle Regiment. The regiment 
was recruited in Rock Island, Cook, Lake, 
La Salle, Stark and Vermilion counties, and is 
said to be one of the best disciplined in the 
field. On entering Missouri, he was ordered 
to take command of the post of Boonville, and 
had allotted to him the counties of Cooper, Sa- 
line and Howard, three of the most intense 



rebel counties in the State. nnng his acnnin 
istration, he took a large number of prisoners 
and inaugurated peace and quietude in tha 
section. He administered the oath of alle 
glance to over five hundred persons, and tool 
bonds of secession sympathisers to the amoun 
•f $500,000. 

On the 24th of January, 1862, he was or 
dered to join his regiment, and take commam 
at the Samine river, near Otterville, and th< 
next day left for Arkansas, and had commanc 
of the regiment from that time till after th( 
battle of Pea Ridge, and led it two days in thi 
battles of Louisburgh and Elkhom Tavern 
commonly called Pea Ridge. After the battle 
the regiment went to Cassville, and Col. Bamei 
became the commandant of that post, and foi 
a long time had command of the troops ii 
Southwest Missouri. While in command o 
the post at Cassville, many expeditions wer< 
sent into the country, and a large number o 
prisoners were taken. The oath of allegiance 
was administered to over seven hundred per 
sons, and bonds taken in sums of one and tei 
thousand dollars from over two hundred. 

On the 1st of August, Gen. Brown sent on 
a force of cavalry and infantry under com 
mand of Col. Barnes, with five days' rations, t< 
scout the country in the neighborhood of Ozarl 
and Forsythe, Mo. On the morning of the 3( 
an attack was made upon a rebel band unde 
Col. Lawther, several killed, thirty horses 
fifty guns, and seventy saddles captured, be 
sides some very important documents amonj 
the rebel Colonel's baggage. The expeditioi 
was a most successful one, and reflects grea 
credit upon the commanding officer, Col. Barnes 
The regiment is now stationed at Springfield 
Mo. An effort has been made to have the 37tl 
sent to Richmond, Va., by petition of al 
the officers and Gen. White, but the movemen 
has been opposed by Gen. Brown, who oonv 
mands that district, and the military authori 
ties at St. Louis, on the ground that the regi- 
ment is needed in Missouri. 




COL. BARNES. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



COL. KAIVSOIkt. 



Col. Thomas E. G. Ransom, 11th Illinois In- 
fantry, was born Nov. 29th, 1834, at Norwich, 
Vermont. In 1846, he entered the primary 
class of Norwich University — a military col- 
lege, under the charge of his father, T. B. 
Ransom, then a Major General of Militia 
of the State of Vermont. His father was af- 
terwards appointed Colonel of the 9th U. S. 
Infantry, and was killed in Mexico, at the 
battle of Chapultapec, Sept. 15th, 1847. Du- 
ring the Mexican war, young Ransom was 
taught engineering, under tuition of his cousin, 
B. F. Marsh, on the Rutland and Burlington 
Railroad. After his father's death, he re- 
turned to the military school — the Norwich 
University, a famous academy, and a rival of 
West Point, founded by Capt. A. Partridge, 
in 1820, and still in a flourishing condition — 
and continued there until the spring of 1851. 
In 1851, he removed to Peru, La Salle county, 
Illinois, to enter upon the practice of his 
profession of an Engineer. In 1854, he em- 
barked in the real estate business, with his 
uncle, under the firm of Gilson & Ransom. 
In December, 1855, the firm removed to Chi- 
cago, and became largely engaged in land 
operations, under the firm name of A. J. 
Galloway & Co. After this, and on the death 
of Gilson, Ransom removed to Fayette county, 
and while engaged in trade, acted as agent 
there for the 111. Central Railroad Company. 
He was there when the war broke out, and im- 
mediately raised a company in Fayette county, 
and arrived at Camp Yates, April 24th, 1861. 
The company was organized into the 11th Illi- 
nois Regiment, and on an election for field 
oiEcers, he was elected Major. The regiment 
was ordered at once to Villa Ridge, near 
Cairo, and there remained in camp of instruc- 
tion until June, when they were ordered to 
Bird's Point, Mo. 

On July 30th, the regiment was mustered 
out of the three months service, and those 
vfho wished were mustered into the three 
years service. On an election of the men. 
Major Ransom was unanimously elected Lieut. 
Colonel. Col. Wallace (afterwards General, 
and killed at Shiloh) was most of the time 
commanding either the post or a brigade, and 
thus the command and instruction of the 11th 

3 



devolved entirely upon the young Lieut. Col- 
onel, who brought them into that perfect con- 
dition of discipline and drill which has since 
covered them with glory. About August 23d 
he led his regiment against a large force of 
rebels under Major Hunter, concentrated at 
Charleston, Mo. Fifty horses and men were 
taken, and from twelve to fifteen killed on the 
rebel side. The Federal loss was three killed 
and fifteen wounded. Col. Ransom was wound- 
ed in the shoulder by a mounted rebel, who 
pretended to surrender, but fired upon him 
as he approached to take his arms. After 
receiving the bullet in his right shoulder, Col. 
Ransom fired upon the traitor, and killed him 
instantly, taking from him a beautiful cream 
colored horse, now in Chicago, and rejoicing 
in the name of "Secesh." 

At Donelson the conduct of Col. Ransom 
was meritorious, as was also that of all the 
officers and men of the 11th. Col. Ran- 
som commanded, Col. Wallace acting as Brig- 
adier, and was again shot in the shoulder, but 
would not leave the field until the fight was 
ended. His clothes were pierced with six or 
eight bullet holes, and a horse was killed un- 
der him. Fatigue, cold and prolonged expo- 
sure did their work. A long sickness fol- 
lowed ; but he would not leave his regiment, 
and when they moved from place to place, he 
was carried in an ambulance, determined to 
cling to the brave boys who had fought with 
him. For his bravery, skill and gallantry at 
Donelson, Lieut. Col. Ransom was promoted 
to the Colonelcy of his loved 11th. 

At Shiloh he led the regiment through the 
thickest of that bloody fight, and though 
wounded in the head early in the engagement, 
remained with his command through the day. 
He assisted Gen. McClernand in rallj-ing an 
Ohio regiment that was falling back on his 
right, and forced them to move forward 
with his own troops upon a rebel battery. 
In the official report of this battle, Gen. 
McClernand spoke of Col. Ransom, at a 
critical moment, "performing prodigies of 
valor, though reeling in his saddle and 
streaming with blood from a serious wound." 
The following evidence of the gallant con- 
duct of the 11th is taken from a private 



34 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



letter, written by Capt. Waddell, of Company 
E. He says: 

" It was neariy half a mile from our encamp- 
ment to the position where the enemy had at- 
tacked us. The order for ' double quick' was 
given, and we were soon on the field of action. 
We had not to wait long, for soon in front of 
us was seen — not three hundred yards dis- 
ant — the enemy, five regiments deep, advanc- 
ing steadily. It was a glorious but a terrible 
sight. The order was, ' The whites of their 
eyes, boys, and then give it to them,' and the 
11th was again engaged. Never, never in my 
life have I seen, or in the annals of history 
have I read of such a death-struggle. 

"Our men fought well at Fort Donelson, but 
never did they fight as they fought on the 6th 
of April. The enemy were repulsed ; they 
stood for a moment seemingly thunderstruck, 
and then broke their ranks and started to fly. 
The ofiScers rallied them, and then, under a 
most galling fire, commenced retrieving their 
lost ground. Our regiment being badly cut 
up — Col. Ransom shot in the head (not mor- 
tally), Capt. Carter dead, Capt. Coats mortally 
wounded, five or six of our Lieutenants down, 
and no reserve coming to our assistance — the 
order was given to fall back. We gradually, 
but obstinately, fell back. We were soon 
cheered by the assistance of several regiments 
coming up, who filed in our front, and we were 



for a time relieved. We fell back — and what 
a sight ! Not one hundred men remained in 
the 11th! It was an awful sight to look at 
that little band, besmeared with blood and 
dirt, with their trusty guns in their hands, 
looking along the line to see how many of their 
beloved companions were left to them. It was 
a sight I never wish to see again. But there 
was little time to lose, and no time to com- 
plain. Gen. McClernand came up, and asked 
if that was all that was left of the 11th. 
' Yes,' was the reply. ' Well, my men,' he 
said, ' we must win this day, or all will be 
lost. Will you try it again ?' ' We will, Gen- 
eral,' was the response. The boys called on 
me to lead them. I formed the regiment (or 
company, as it was) on the left of the 70th 
Ohio regiment, and was again ordered to take 
our position in front. Ten minutes' time and 
we were again engaged." 

For his conduct in this battle, he was recom- 
mended by Gens. Grant and McClernand for 
promotion to a Brigadier General. In .June he 
was placed upon the staff of Gen. McClernand, 
as chief of staff and Inspector General of the 
army of the Tennessee. At the present writing, 
August 25th, Col. Ransom is in command of 
the District of Cairo. 



COL. ELLIS. 



Edward F. W. Ellis was born in Wilton, 
Maine, April 15th, 1819. At the age of nine- 
teen he emigrated to Ohio, where he studied 
law and was admitted to the bar when 22 years 
of age. In 1845 he was married to Miss Lucy 
A. Dobyns, by whom he had four children. In 
the spring of 1849 he went to California, en- 
gaged there in the mercantile business, was 
burned out in six months, losing all he had, 
and leaving him some $5,000 in debt. He then 
commenced practising law with great success, 
and in the fall of 1851 was elected to the Legis- 
lature. He there vehemently opposed slavery, 
and was highly lauded for his efforts. In the 
spring of 1852 he returned to Ohio, and in the 
fall of 1854 removed with his family to Rock- 
ford, Illinois, where he has since resided. 
Soon after removing to Rockford, he engaged 
iu the banking business with Mr. Chas. Spaf- 



ford and Dr. D. G. Clark, and continued con- 
nected with them, under the firm name of 
Spafford, Clark & Ellis, most of the time since. 

Very soon after the attack on Sumter, he 
was instrumental in organizing a company in 
Rockford, which elected him Captain, and as- 
sumed the name of the Ellis Rifles. The com- 
pany became connected with the 15th Illinois 
Regiment at its organization in June, 1861, 
and Capt. Ellis was elected Lieutenant Colonel 
of the regiment. Most of the time, however, 
he acted as Colonel of the regiment (Colonel 
Turner acting Brigadier), and was in command 
at the battle at Shiloh, in which he was killed 
while bravely leading on his men. 

Illinois will cherish the name and memory 
of Ellis with that of Baker, and Ellsworth, and 
Raith, and Wallace, arfd other of her sons, who 
have fallen in defence of their country. 




COL. B A K 13 R , 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



35 



COL. BAKEIt. 



Edward D. Baker, the most illustrious vic- 
tim from Illinois of the terrible struggle against 
the rebellion, was of English birth, but came 
to this country when five years of age, and 
settled with his father's family, who were 
Quakers, in the city of Philadelphia. In a 
few years the parent died, and left Edward 
and a younger brother relationless and unpro- 
vided, in a strange land. The eldest boy ob- 
tained employment as a weaver in a small 
establishment in South street, and devoted for 
a time a portion of his earnings to the sup- 
port of the younger, at the same time gradually 
instructing him in the business of weaving, 
that he might, in time, support himself. Pos- 
sessed of an ardent imagination, he naturally 
took a deep interest in reading, and his taste 
being stimulated by the allurements of ro- 
mance, enlarged, until it embraced the whole 
range of sober as well as of illusive literature. 

Edward, whose mind had dwelt upon the 
marvels of the West, determined to seek its 
broad, inviting platform for his future. He 
accordingly communicated his resolution to 
his brother, and the young adventurers, with 
packs upon their shoulders, strong staffs in 
their hands, and stout, hopeful hearts within 
their bosoms, set their faces towards the AUe- 
ghanies. On foot they undertook their ascent, 
and on foot they crossed ; and so they trudged 
along, through broad intervening States, until 
they found themselves in that portion of the 
far west known as Illinois. Here the young 
men paused and cast their lot, Edward select- 
ing Springfield, the capital, as his special 
place of residence. There, in a little while, 
he was enabled to turn to account the legal 
reading which he had begun in Philadelphia, 
and having a happy gift of language to help 
it into use, he was soon enabled to support 
himself by the practice of law. He rose rap- 
idly, and ripening with exercise, it was not 
long before he was among the most popular 
advocates at the bar of Illinois. 

Through his prosperity, he was now enabled 
to look beyond the narrow circle of the petty 
spites and griefs in which the mere attorney 
is required to abuse his mind, and enter the 
broad field of politics. He embraced the doc- 
trines of the Whig party, and transferred his 



eloquence to the forum with such success that 
he soon won his way to Congress. He occu- 
pied his seat in the House of Representatives 
with dignity and credit, and was fast being 
recognized as one of the leaders of that body, 
when the temptations of the Mexican campaign 
appealed to his ardent and enthusiastic mind, 
and induced him to abandon civil life and 
enter the field. He went to Illinois, raised a 
regiment, the 4th Illinois Volunteers, and at. 
once proceeded to the Rio Grande. A pause 
in the campaign enabled him to return tem- 
porarily to Washington, in order that he 
might express himself upon the policy of the 
war, and cast his votes; but that done, he 
went back to his command, and followed its 
fortunes on the line from Vera Cruz to the 
Mexican capital. All the actions of the hotly 
contested road to Mexico recognized his valor ; 
and when Shields fell at the head of his bri- 
gade, at Cerro Gordo, it was Col. Baker's dis- 
tinguished fortune to rise to the command, and 
to lead the New York regiments through the 
bloody struggles of that day. 

Returning to Illinois in triumph. Col. Baker 
was again elected to represent his district in 
Congress, where he served out his term, and 
in 1852, yielding to certain business views, 
went for a time to the Isthmus of Panama. 
The local fever soon drove him home, where, 
being recruited in health, a new contagion 
seized his mind, and he turned his steps to 
the Pacific coast — the new El Dorado of the 
West. His fame had gone before him, and he 
was spared any efforts to popularize himself 
in the new field of labor. He took at once a 
place in the front rank of the bar of San 
Francisco, and a large proportion of the heavy 
cases of the circuit sought the advantage of 
his extensive legal knowledge and wonderful 
eloquence. By common consent he was ac- 
knowledged to be the most eloquent speak- 
er in California ; but a proof was in re- 
serve, in a circumstance beyond the narrow 
limits of prosaic eloquence, to create for him 
the claim of being perhaps the most accom- 
plished orator of the day. Broderick, who 
had defended California from the doom of 
slavery, had been taken in the toils by a band 
of unscrupulous villains, and slain. " They 



36 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



have killed me because I was opposed to the 
extension of slavery, and a corrupt adminis- 
tration," was the last declaration of the dying 
Senator ; and as the words fell from his lips, 
they became fire in the heart of the weeping 
orator, who stood by his side, and closed his 
eyes. 

San Francisco was steeped in gloom at the 
contemplation of the monstrous deed. All 
trade and business was stopped ; no sound of 
bustle was heard along her streets ; and by 
common consent, without pageantry or pa- 
rade, or any sound but the low, measured, 
muffled throb of the church bells, the dejected 
people, walking as if they almost held their 
breaths, gathered in the main square, and 
formed themselves, like so many shadows, 
round the bier. At the foot of the coffin, 
stood the priest ; at the head, and so he could 
gaze on the face of his friend, stood the pale 
figure of the orator. Both of them, the living 
a&d the dead, were self-made men ; and the 
son of the stonecutter, lying in mute gran- 
deur, with a record floating round that coffin 
which bowed the heads of the surrounding 
thousands down in mute respect, might have 
been proud of the tribute which the weaver's 
apprentice was about to lay upon his breast. 
For minutes after the vast audience had set- 
tled itself to hear his words, the orator did 
not speak. He did not look in the coffin, but 
the gaze of his fixed eye was turned within 
his mind, and the still tears coursed rapidly 
down his cheek. Then, when the silence was 
the most intense, his tremulous voice rose like 
a wail, and with an uninterrupted strain of 
lofty and patriotic words — only less burning 
and beautiful than those poured out over the 
body of the noble Roman, by his friend and 
follower, Mark Anthony — he so penetrated and 
possessed the hearts of the sorrowing mul- 
titude, that there was scarcely a cheek less 
moistened than his own. For an hour he held 
all that vast assemblage as with a spell ; and 
when he finished, by bending over the calm 
face of the murdered Senator, and stretching 
his arms forward with an impressive gesture, 
exclaimed in quivering accents, "Good friend! 
brave heart ! gallant leader ! true hero ! hail 
and farewell!" the audience broke forth in a 
general response of sobs. Rarely has elo- 
quence been more thrilling ; never better 
adapted to the temper of its listeners. The 



merit of the eulogy divided public encomium 
with the virtues of the deceased, and Baker 
was invested with Broderick's political for- 
tunes. The senatorial field in California be- 
ing, however, not open to immediate occupa- 
tion, Col. Baker transferred himself to Oregon, 
and there the glow of his last eS'ortsoon carried 
him to the highest honors of the State. He 
was elected Senator for the full term of six 
years, in 1860, and at the time of his death 
had enjoyed its honors but two sessions. 
How he improved the prestige of the place 
by great arguments in favor of the Constitu- 
tion, and by withering denunciations of the 
advocates of treason, is familiar to all. He 
was the master debater of the war term of 
Congress. 

The capture of Fort Sumter fired his soul 
anew with military ardor, and on the 20th of 
April, at the great mass-meeting in Union 
Park, New York city, he delivered an address 
which thrilled the souls of all who heard it. 
The noble patriot then pledged his personal 
services to his country as a soldier, and closed 
his speech with these impressive and eloquent 
words, which were greeted with thunders of 
applause: "And if, from the far Pacific, a 
voice feebler than the feeblest murmur upon 
its shore, may be heard to give you courage 
and hope in the contest, that voice is youra 
to-day ; and if a man whose hair is gray, who 
is well-nigh worn out in the battle and toil of 
life, may pledge himself on such an occasion 
and in such an audience, let me say, as my 
last word, that when amid sheeted fire and 
flames, I saw and led the hosts of New York 
as they charged in contest upon a foreign 
soil for the honor of your flag, so again, if 
Providence shall will, this feeble hand shall 
draw a sword, never yet dishonored — not to 
fight for distant honor in a foreign land, but 
to fight for counti'y, for home, for law, for 
government, for constitution, for right, for 
freedom, for humanity, and in the hope that 
the banner of my country may advance, and 
wherever that banner waves, there glory may 
pursue and freedom be established." 

The pledge there made was speedily ful- 
filled. All these honors, and the acknowledged 
prominence which he had won in the Senate 
of the United States, was not enough for his 
active and daring spirit while the country was 
in arms. He left his seat, and organized the 




COL. M O K O . 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



37 



California regiment, which he led to the field. 
When offered a Brigadier, and even a Major 
Generalship, he declined both, preferring to be 
at the head of hia own regiment. When he 
fell, on the bloody field of Ball's Bluff, Octo- 
ber 21st, 1861, with the "light of battle" in 
his features, although acting as a General, he 
was simply Colonel of the First California 
Regiment of Volunteers. At the head of eight- 
een hundred of his own and Col. Deven's 
Massachusetts Regiment, and three guns, the 
noble leader fought the rebels, who outnum- 
bered his force four to one, during the whole 
afternoon. The alternatives were, fight and 
conquer, surrender, or be captured. The 
noble band of heroes and their gallant com- 
mander understood these terrible alternatives, 
and nobly did they vindicate their manhood. 
During all those long hours, from two o'clock 
P.M. until the early dusk of the evening, the 
gallant Baker continued the unequal contest, 
when he fell, pierced by three bullets, and 
instantly expired. A council of war was 



called (after the frightful death struggle over 
his lifeless remains and for them), and it was 
decided that the only chance of escape was 
by cutting through the enemy and reaching 
Edwards' Ferry, which was at once decided 
upon ; but while forming for the desperate 
encounter, the enemy rushed upon our little 
band of heroes in overpowering numbers, and. 
the rout was perfect. When the gallant Sena- 
tor and soldier fell on that disastrous field, he 
had been nominated for Brigadier General, 
and had he been spared, would have been 
unanimously confirmed. 

" Death," says Bacon, " openeth the gate 
to good fame." In this brief biography of 
Edward D. Baker, it has not been my aim to 
make him too much a hero. I cannot better 
leave him than with his own beautiful words, 
applied to another, and which may be even 
more truthfully applied to himself: " Good 
friend ! brave heart ! gallant leader ! true 
hero ! hail and farewell !" 



COL. MiOIlO. 



Col. Francis Moro was born in the City of 
New York, Sept. 5, 1824. His father came to 
the United States with General Lafayette, re- 
maining in this country after the Revolutionary 
war. He was of the family of General Moreau, 
and at an advanced age married a Miss Ray- 
mond, a member of an old New England family. 
In 1840, the subject of this brief sketch came 
to the West, and settled in Cincinnati, where 
he studied medicine, and practised several 
years. In 1853, after having resided in the 
South several years, he removed to Illinois, and 
married a daughter of Daniel Keen, of Wabash 
County, where he continued to reside until the 
breaking out of the present rebellion. Soon 
after his marriage. Dr. Moro was ordained a 
minister of the Missionary Baptist Church, and 
only abandoned the ministry and the practice 
of medicine to take up arms in defence of his 
country. In a private note Col. Moro says : 
" I raised my regiment, the 63d Volunteers, in 



Southern Illinois, having abandoned peaceful 
pursuits for the profession of arms, and am 
now in the field, ready to strike for the defence 
of the glorious country for which my father 
fought before me. I am proud my country has 
honored me with the command of a regiment 
of which I am not ashamed." 

Col. Moro received his commission Dec. 1st, 
1861. A portion of the 63d was engaged at 
Memphis ; the Ram fleet, under command of 
Col. EUet, being supplied with sharp-shooters 
from his regiment. Soon after, he was ordered, 
with 364 men, to Henderson, Mo. ; and he is 
now stationed with the entire regiment at Jack- 
son, Tenn. Col. Moro has brothers in the 
army, who write their names Moreau ; but he 
says : "I, purely American by birth and feel- 
ing, have anglicized the spelling — hence the 
difference. I prize more highly my citizenship 
in this great country, than I do my relationship 
to one of the proudest families of the old world." 



38 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



eOL. LOGAN. • 

Col. John Logan is the eldest son of James this Dr. Logan set to work in earnest, and 
Logan, who emigrated from Ireland to this raised, by the aid of his many good friends, 
country in 1793, and settled at North Bend, one company of cavalry, one of artillery, and 



Hamilton county, Ohio, where his son was 
born, Dec. 30lh, 1809. He served under Gen. 
Harrison during the Indian wars in the North- 
west, as a First Lieutenant, and afterwards 
Captain of Ohio troops. In 1815, he removed 
to the Territory of Missouri, and resided among 



a regiment of infantry, known as the 32d Illi- 
nois, of which he was, by Gov. Yates, appointed 
Colonel. This regiment was mustered into 
service December 81, 1861, and marched to 
Bird's Point, Mo., from thence to Fort Henry, 
Tenn. Here Col. Logan was placed in com- 



the Indians for ten years, when he took up his mand of the post, as senior officer. In the 
residence in Jackson, Illinois. Here the sub- battle of Shiloh, the 6th and 7th of April, this 
ject of this sketch had the benefit of a school regiment, being the second of the 1st brigade, 
for nine months, the only instruction he ever 4th division, under Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut, 
received from a teacher. In 1831, Mr. Logan was by that gallant officer led to the field early 
commenced the study of medicine. The fol- in the morning, and for six hours was under 
lowing year he volunteered, and served a cam- an unceasing fire from Beauregard's column, 
paign against Black Hawk. He returned home composed of the best troops of the rebel army. ■ 
in the fall, and for the want of means had to The 32d Regiment never changed its position 
give up his study of medicine, and work again during the day, except when, after having 
at his trade of a carpenter for a support. In di'iven the enemy from the field before it, the 
1833, he married Miss Sophia Hall, and settled commanding General ordered it to the left, 
in Macoupin county. 111. His wife lived to where the battle thickened, and the enemy 
have two children, who also both died, one be- was moving forward in solid column. Here 
fore and the other soon after their mother, the regiment being strongly posted by Capt. 
Being left without a family, he decided to re- Long, of Gen. Hurlbut's staff, held its posi- 
Bume the study of medicine, and worked hard tion until every other regiment was compelled 
at his trade while reviewing and finishing his to retire, and for the last twenty minutes held 
studies, and prepai'ing for medical lectures, the field alone, against three times its own 
In the winter of 1840-41, he took his first numbers, and only retired when the last cart- 
course of lectures, in McDowell's College, St. ridge was fired. Their loss in this battle was 
Louis. In January, 1841, he married Miss very severe, in both commissioned officers and 
Ann E. Banks, of St. Louis. The next sum- men, the color guard being all killed or 
mer he attended the Hospital, with Professor wounded except two. The number of killed, 
McDowell, and in the fall of the same year re- wounded and missing in the regiment amounted 
turned to Chesterfield, Macoupin county, 111., to above two-fifths of those who went into the 
where he continued in the practice of his pro- action. Col. Logan and the Lieut. Colonel were 
fession, with results entirely satisfactory to both wounded — the latter mortally — three Cap- 
himself and' the public, until 1853, when he tains and five Lieutenants — two mortally — and 
removed to Carlinville, the county seat of Ma- several officers killed in the action, 
coupin county. He continued the practice un- In a private letter, Col. Logan says: "I 
til the rebellion commenced, when, believing it profess to be a christian, and joined the Metho- 
to be his duty to do something for the defence dist Episcopal Church at the early age of eigh- 
of the country, Dr. Logan called a meeting of teen, and although an unworthy member, the 
the citizens of Carlinville and vicinity, for the church has permitted me to live within its 
purpose of adopting some measures for raising bosom until the present time. If I have evei* 
volunteers. The meeting appointed him to done anything to entitle my name to occupy 
superintend the raising and organizing of one a place in even the humblest niche of the his- 
companj'. In three days he had, with the aid tory of my country, I owe it all to the grace of 
of Richard Raucet and G. W. Woods, succeeded God, and to Him be all the praise and glory." 
in raising one hundred and eight men. After 




COL. LOGAN. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



39 



COL. BAIVE. 



Col. Moses M. Bane was born on the 30th 
of November, 1825, in Athens county, Ohio. 
At the age of twelve years, he removed with 
his parents to the Miami valley, north of Day- 
ton, Ohio. He determined to educate himself 
to the extent of his limited abilities, his father 
being unable to aid his efforts but very little. 
Through his own exertions he received an 
academical education, and determined to enter 
the profession of medicine. Bending all his 
energies toward its accomplishment, he was 
enabled, by teaching and labor, to procure the 
means to assist him in the prosecution of his 
studies. After having studied one year, Mr. 
Bane went to Columbus, Ohio, and entered the 
ofiBce of Dr. R. L. Howard, Professor of Sur- 
gery in Starling Medical College, remaining 
there until he graduated from that institution, 
in February, 1849. In October, he married, 
and removed to Pay son, Adams county. 111., 
where he at once entered upon the active du- 
ties of his profession. In the fall of 1856, he 
was elected to represent the people of Adams 
county in the Legislature, and again in 1858, 
after which he returned to his profession, 



in which he continued to be engaged until af- 
ter the breaking out of the rebellion, when he 
was solicited to take charge of a regiment, to 
be raised in Adams and adjoining counties. 
He was commissioned by Gov. Yates on the 
20th of August, and went into camp, where 
the regiment remained but a short time before 
being ordered into active service, in Missouri. 
The 50th was subsequently at Fort Henry, 
suffered severely at Fort Donelson, and finally 
at Shiloh, where, on the 6th of April, while 
on duty with his regiment, a ball passed 
through his right arm, above the elbow, shat- 
tering the bone, entered his side, fracturing 
two ribs, and lodged in his body, where it still 
remains. Upon examination by the surgeons, 
the wound in his side was pronounced mortal, 
and it was several hours before they con- 
sidered it advisable to amputate his arm, 
which they did about midnight. For nearly 
three months Col. Bane lay upon his back, 
gradually recovering, until the end of July, 
when he again took command of his regiment, 
at Corinth, Miss., where it is now stationed. 



COL. BELL. 



Thomas Bell, the grandfather of the subject 
of this sketch, came to the United States, from 
Scotland, before the Revolutionary War, and 
took an active part as a private soldier in that 
great struggle for liberty. Col. Bell's father, 
the Rev. Joseph E. Bell, of Tennessee, served 
under Gen. Jackson during the war of 1812-14. 
Joseph W. Bell was born in Tennessee in the 
year 1815. He studied law, and, practised 
in the South until 1855, when he removed to 
Chicago. After the election of Mr. Lincoln 
to the Presidency, having taken an active 
part in that memorable political campaign. 
Col. Bell received an appointment in the War 
Department, and accordingly, in the spring of 
1861, removed to Washington. After the 
Federal defeat at Bull Run, he received au- 
thority to raise a regiment of cavalry, when he 
resigned his ofSce, returned to Chicago, and 



soon organized the 13th Cavalry, which was 
ordered to join the army of Gen. Curtis. The 
regiment, in separate battalions, has taken 
part in two engagements — one at Clear Run 
Station ; the other at Bayou Cache, on the 7th 
of July. Being ordered by Gen. Curtis to 
reinforce Col. Hovey, who was then engaging 
the enemy four miles in advance of them. Col. 
Bell arrived just as the enemy fled. He was 
ordered to take command of his 2d battalion, 
one battalion of the 5th Illinois cavalry, and 
one regiment of infantry and a light batterj', 
and to pursue the retreating foe. Col. Bell 
pursued for about five miles, scattering them 
like chaff, shelling the rebels at every oppor- 
tunity, till near night, when, by order of Gen. 
Benton, who had just arrived, they returned 
to the main battle ground, and encamped with, 
the balance of the army. 



40 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



COL. IiP^^OBELSr>OIlFF. 



Charles Knobelsdorff, commanding the 
44th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and the 
2d Brigade, 5th Division of the Army of the 
Mississippi, is a graduate of the military 
school at Culan, kingdom of Prussia. He 
was born on the 31st day of October, 1827, 
and is a descendant of an old Prussian mili- 
tary family. He entered the Prussian army 
as a Lieutenant, in 1846, and when, in 1848, 
the revolutionary war broke out between the 
states of Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark, 
he joined the Schleswig-Holstein army at once, 
and fought with distinction in most of the 
battles of that war, as a First Lieutenant and 
as commander of a company in the 1st and 
2d Rifle Battalion. At the battle of Missunde 
he was severely wounded in his right arm. 
When the Schleswig-Holstein army was dis- 
banded, through the intervention of the Aus- 
trian and Prussian armies, in the spring of 
1851, Col. Knobelsdorff, being no longer 
willing to submit to the rule of despotism, 
formed at once, at Hamburg, an association 
of dismissed officers and soldiers of the 
Schleswig-Holstein army, for the purpose of 
emigrating to the United States, and he, with 
hundreds of his comrades, arrived in America 
in the summer of 1851. He has lived most of 
the time since at Milwaukee, Wis., and the 
last two years at Chicago, in which latter 
city he was in the employ of the Illinois Cen- 
tral Railroad Company. (This vast Railway 
Corporation has furnished to the Union army, 
from among her officers and employees, three 
Major Generals — Banks, Burnside and McClel- 
lan, one Brigadier General — Turchin, and 
Colonels Brayman, Ransom, Wyman, and the 
subject of this sketch, besides a host of offi- 
cers of lower rank in the 89th, and other 
Illinois regiments.) Col. K. has always taken 



a prominent part in the agitation of our na- 
tional politics, and especially in the promo- 
tion of the welfare of the laboring classes. 
When the southern rebellion broke out. Col. 
Knobelsdorff organized at once four companies 
of infantry, as a reserve, in the city of Chi- 
cago, and soon after recruited and organized 
two independent rifle regiments, the 24th 
and 44th Illinois Volunteers, and went 
himself into the field with the last named 
regiment, on the 14th day of September, 1861. 
His regiment was attached to Gen. Sigel's 
division, and marched with him in his expe- 
dition, under Gen, Fremont, to Springfield, 
Mo., in the fall of 1861, and the next winter, 
under Gen. Curtis, marched to Arkansas. 
Col. Knobelsdorff commanded his regiment 
during the battle of Pea Ridge, on the 6th, 
7th and 8th of March, 1862, and has shown 
himself a cool, courageous and experienced 
commander. At the commencement of the 
battle, on the 8th, two regiments of infantry 
and a battery of Gen. Davis' division, broke 
unexpectedly, and retreated in confusion, 
throwing themselves on Col. Knobelsdorff's 
regiment, who were covering the right flank 
of Gen. Sigel's division. Instead of allowing 
his men to retreat also, he advanced in line of 
battle, ordered the battery to halt, drove the 
retreating infantry out of his lines, and in 
this way saved the honor of the day. 

Col. Knobelsdorff is known as an excellent 
tactician, and as an officer who takes the best 
care of his men, and is always ready to act 
and to fight. He commanded for a long time 
the 1st and 2d brigades of Gen. Sigel's divis- 
ion, and is now commanding the 2d brigade 
of Gen. Asboth's (the 5th) division, army of 
the Mississippi. 




COL. GREUSEL. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



41 



COL. OHETJSEIL,. 



The parents of Col. Greusbl, with eight 
children, among whom Nicholas was the se- 
venth child, arrived in the city of New York, 
June 2d, 1833, when he was at the age of 
fourteen years. Sergeant N. Greusel, Sen., 
the father of Nicholas, was one of the brave 
men who fought under Gen. Murat, and was 
promoted for bravery on the snow fields of 
Russia. He took great pains to educate Nicho- 
las in his youth concerning the duties of a 
soldier. On the 3d of June, calling his family 
together, he informed them that he had ex- 
pended all his fortune to bring them to the 
land of freedom, and he would give them a 
good dinner, after which each must take 
his bundle and look up a place for himself, 
at the same time telling them, if any got sick 
he would be found at Newburg, on the Hud- 
son river. It was the fortune of Nicholas to 
fall into the service of Mrs. Nicholas Fish, 
mother of Hon. Hamilton Fish, late Governor 
of New York, on 9th street, near St. Mark's 
Church, then the outskirts of the city, 
where he remained seven months, when, be- 
coming ashamed of doing housework, he left 
for Newburg, where he obtained employment 
from Gen. Belnap, who was largely engaged 
in the brick business, and worked for him at 
nineteen dollars per month. After working 
some time, his father informed him of his in- 
tention of removing to Michigan. All his 
children but one accompanied him, and ar- 
rived in the city of Detroit on the 27th day of 
June, 1885. 

Nicholas at once found employment with 
Messrs. J. Rice & Co., lumber dealers, with 
whom he remained until the war broke 
out with Mexico, in 1846. Having held a 
commission as Lieutenant since 1839, Adju- 
tant of the 1st battalion, and Captain of the 
Scott Guard, he received the appointment of 
Captain of Co. G, 1st Regiment Michigan 
Volunteers, commanded by Col. T. B. W. 
Stockton, under whom he did good service 
from Vera Cruz to Orizaba, in Col. Bankhead's 
brigade, consisting of the following regiments : 
1st Alabama, 1st Michigan, one squadron 
Georgia mounted men, four companies 2d 
dragoons, and one battery, taken from the 
steamer Mississippi man-of-war. Peace hav- 



ing been declared, the regiment returned to 
Detroit, and were mustered out of the service 
on the 27th day of July, 1848. On the 28th 
of July, at sunrise, Capt. Greusel was at his 
post in the lumber yard again. 

Stories prejudicial to the officers of the reg- 
iment having been circulated while the 1st 
was en route to Detroit, the soldiers received 
much sympathy in Chicago, from the citi- 
zens, on account of supposed bad treatment, 
and the Mayor of Chicago went on board of 
the Oregon, then lying at the foot of Dearborn 
street, to satisfy himself. Having accosted 
Capt. Greusel, he asked him how he could 
neglect his men in the manner represented. 
The Captain called his company of seventy- 
two men together, and asked the Mayor and 
committee if his men looked like being starved 
to death. The Mayor was much surprised at 
the splendid appearance of Capt. Greusel's 
men, and complimented him highly on their 
good looks and excellent discipline. While at 
Chicago, the Captain, having saved some three 
hundred dollars from company rations, pur- 
chased new shirts for his entire company, and 
all necessaries to clean arms and accoutre- 
ments, and packed them away, saying nothing 
to any one about it. On arriving at Lake St, 
Clair, the Captain called his company together, 
and ordered a general washing and cleaning 
up of arms, etc. After coming in sight of 
Detroit, the rest of the officers commenced to 
suspect something in the appearance of their 
own men, and began to enquire how Capt. 
Greusel got his new clothing, and white belts, 
and polished shoes. The Captain informed 
them that there were plenty in Chicago. On 
arriving in Detroit, Lieut. Col. N. S. Wil- 
liams, having gone across the country by 
railroad and stage from Chicago, came on 
board, and seeing the state of the troops, re- 
fused to march them through the streets of 
Detroit, unless Capt. Greusel's company would 
take the right of the regiment. This was 
finally acceded to by the balance of the Cap- 
tains, Co. D being the second company on the 
left of the regiment. Arriving on Jefferson 
avenue. Col. Williams gave the order, "By 
platoons, into line ;" but seeing Co. D platoons 
longer than the rest of the companies, or- 



42 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



dered Capt. Greusel to break into sections, in 
which shape the regiment marched to the 
barracks, receiving the cheers and admira- 
tion of the citizens. The papers of the next 
day complimented Capt. Greusel's company as 
being the best looking as to health, clothing 
and military discipline in the regiment. 

Capt. Greusel was engaged in the lumber 
trade for two years, held the office of Alder- 
man in the city of Detroit, and afterwards 
was appointed Inspector General of Lumber 
for the State of Michigan. In 1857, Capt. 
Greusel went to Chicago, 111., where he en- 
tered the service of the Chicago, Burlington 
and Quincy Railroad Company, and remained 
in their employuntilthebombardment of Fort 
Sumter, April 13th, 1861. On Monday, April 
15th, Capt. Greusel enrolled himself as a pri- 
vate of a company in the city of Aurora, and 
arrived at Springfield on Friday, with one 
hundred and forty-eight privates, and was 
elected Captain of the same. On the 24th of 
April, the first regiment was formed — the 7th. 
John Cook was elected Colonel, and Captain 
Greusel, Major. The Major being the only 
man who had ever done military duty, the 
task of drilling the regiment devolved on him, 
and it was said by military men to be the best 
drilled regiment in the service. There are at 
this writing fifty-eight commissioned officers 
who were privates on the 24th of July. After 
the three months service, Major Greusel was 
commisioned Lieut. Colonel. On the 20th of 
August, he was promoted to the Colonelcy of 
the Fox River Regiment, afterwards called 
the 36th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. The 
regiment was ordered to Rolla, Mo., for drill. 
On the 14th day of January, 1862, it was 
ordered to march for Lebanon, Mo., where it 
arrived on the 25th of January. The regi- 
ment was brigaded with the 12th, 3d and 17th 
Missouri Volunteers, Welfley's Missouri and 
Capt. Hoffman's batteries. Col. Greusel was 
placed in command, by Brig. Gen. Sigel, in 
which capacity he followed Gen. Price on his 
retreat to Batesville, Ark. He was in the 
masterly retreat of Gen. Sigel to Pea Ridge, 



and fought bravely during that ever memora- 
ble battle, for three successive days. He was 
highly complimented by Generals Curtis and 
Sigel, for his coolness and bravery on the field, 
especially for preventing a stampede, which 
would have been most disastrous but for the 
coolness and presence of mind displayed by 
Col. Greusel. 

The regiment received orders, when fifteen 
miles beyond White River, Ark., to march to 
Corinth, by forced marches — 240 miles dis- 
tant — which the regiment accomplished in ten 
dnys, when they embarked on the steamer 
Planet, and arrived and joined Gen. Pope's 
command at the trenches in front of Corinth, 
two days before the evacuation of that place 
by Gen. Beauregard. Have since marched 
to Boonville, and back to Rienzi, where the 
regiment is now lying. There are now left 
1038 men of the 1248 taken into the field in 
September, 1861. 

While on a recent visit to his friends in De- 
troit, Col. Greusel was tendered a public din- 
ner by his admirers in that city, as a testimo- 
nial of their sense of the value of his services 
at Springfield and Pea Ridge, to which invita- 
tion he returned the following reply : 

Detroit, July 16, 1862. 
To his Excellency, Gov. Blair, and others: 

Gentlemen: I have the honor to receive your 
very flattering invitation to dine with you. Availing 
myself of a short furlough to recruit my health, I 
have only come to my old adopted home to spend a 
fleeting moment with my aged parents. The familiar 
names of many old friends among your number touch 
my heart, and recall pleasant recollections of former 
days. But I prefer to look beyond myself, and appre- 
ciate your kindness as a spontaneous demonstration 
in behalf of the idea of liberty and constitutional 
free government. If I have followed the beloved flag 
of the country over sanguinary fields, it is because I 
have been in pursuit of that idea. God grant it may 
prevail over the ends of the earth. However happy 
a convival meeting with my old friends would be, now 
is not the time for such enjoyment. The crisis de- 
mands that every man should do his duty — especially 
that every soldier shall be at his post. When the smiles 
of peace shall again bless us, I hope to have the plea- 
sure which I must at this time decline. 

Yours, respectfully, N. GREUSEL, 

Col. 86th Reg't 111. Vol. 




COL. HOUGH. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



43 



COL. HOXJOH. 



RosELLE Marion Hough was born in St. 
Lawrence county, N. Y., in 1819. In 1836, 
he came west with his father's family, and 
settled in Bloomingdale, Du Page county, 
where he spent three years, assisting his 
father on a farm. In 1844, he went to Chi- 
cago, and was employed by Sylvester Marsh, 
beef and pork packer, after which he entered 
the service of Messrs. Wadsworth, Dyer & 
Chapin, as a foreman of their establishment. 
In 1850, Mr. Hough formed a partnership 
with his brother, Orrin T. Hough, and Joseph 
Brown, of Massachusetts, and built the first 
packing house at Bridgeport, near Chicago. 
In 1853, the partnership was dissolved, Mr. 
Brown withdrawing from the firm. AVhen the 
news of the fall of Fort Sumter reached Chi- 
cago, Mr. Hough, leaving his large business, 
at once threw himself into the good cause, 
which he aided in various ways, as a private 
citizen, and as a member of the War Com- 



mittee. When Gen. Hunter passed through 
Chicago, en route to Missouri, he met Mr. 
Hough, at that time Major of the 9th Illinois 
Cavalry, and ofl"ered him a place on his stafl^, 
which was accepted. In October, Maj. Hough 
joined Gen. Hunter, and was placed in charge 
of the transportation service, in which he 
rendered valuable and efficient aid. In De- 
cember, Major Hough returned to Chicago, 
on leave of absence, and remained until March, 
1862, when he accompanied Gen. Hunter to 
South Carolina, and was present at the taking 
of Fort Pulaski. Soon after he was detailed 
to accompany the prisoners of war to New 
York, and on his arrival there resigned his 
commission. In June, he was elected Colonel 
of the 67th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and 
is now stationed at Camp Douglas, Chicago, 
acting in conjunction with Col. Tucker, com- 
mandant, as guard over the ten thousand rebel 
prisoners confined there. 



COL. haith. 



Julius Raith was born in Germany in 
1819, and came to this country with his 
father's family in 1836. They settled in St. 
Clair county, Illinois. When about 18 years 
of age, he went to Columbia, Monroe county, 
where he learned the trade of a millwright, 
and became an expert in that occupation. On 
the breaking out of the Mexican war he en- 
listed in Col. Bissell's regiment, and was 
commissioned as Captain, winning laurels at 
Buena Vista and in all the engagements of his 
regiment, which showed itself to be one of the 
most gallant and meritorious in that campaign. 
Soon after Captain Raith's return from Mexi- 
co, he married a daughter of Hon. John D. 
Hughes, of Belleville, taking up his residence 
in St. Louis, where he remained in the pursuit 
of his occupation as millwright, until 1860, 
when he removed to Illinois, and built a large 
flouring mill in O'Fallon, on the Ohio and 
Mississippi Railroad, which is still operated 
in the name of Julius Raith & Co. He con- 
structed some of the best and most noted mills 



in Missouri and Illinois, and was widely known 
to millowners and mechanics in the West. 

During the summer of 1861, Capt. Raith 
raised the 43d Regiment, and entered the ser- 
vice as its Colonel in October. At the battle 
of Shiloh, Col. Raith was in command of the 
3d brigade, composed of his own regiment, the 
17th, 29th and 49th Illinois. Whilst leading 
his command, on the first day of the conflict, 
he was wounded by a minie ball in the leg 
above the knee. He lay on the battle-field for 
twenty-four hours, when he was picked up in 
a feeble and exhausted condition. He was 
placed on board the steamer Hannibal, and on 
the way to the Hospital at Mound City, Illi- 
nois, suff'ered the amputation of his leg. He 
died from tetanus, or lock-jaw, produced by 
his injuries. 

Colonel Raith's wife died in the latter part 
of 1859, being survived by two sons, one of 
whom is now ten and the other seven years 
of age. 



44 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



COL. TTYMIAIV. 



Col. John B. Wyman is of Welch extraction, 
his ancestors emigrating to New England at 
an early day. His great-grandfather, Ross 
Wyman, lived to the age of ninety-four. His 
grandfather, Seth Wyman, lived to the age of 
seventy, and his father, Seth Wyman, Jr., is 
still living, and reached the age of seventy- 
three years on July 30th, just past, — all of 
Shrewsbury, Worcester county, Mass. Col. 
Wyman's mother was Lucy Baker, daughter 
of John Baker, also of Shrewsbury. 

The subject of this sketch was born in 
Shrewsbury, on the 12th of July, 1817, and 
is consequently now forty-five years of age. 
At the age of eighteen, he was elected a Lieu- 
tenant in the Shrewsbury Rifle Company, and 
on removing to Cincinnati, Ohio, joined the 
Citizen's Guards, of that city, where he served 
three years under Capt. (now Major General) 
0. M. Mitchell. In 1841, he removed to 
Worcester, Mass., where he joined the Worces- 
ter City Guards, and was soon elected a Lieu- 
tenant, and served until 1846, when he re- 
moved to Springfield, Mass., where he was 
elected First Lieutenant of the Springfield 
City Guards, and served two years. In 1848, 
he was appointed to a position on the New 
York and Now Haven Railroad, his residence 
being in New York city. There he joined the 
famous New York Light Guards, in which fine 
corps he served two years. In 1850, he was 
appointed Superintendent of the Connecticut 
River Railroad. In August of the same year, 
the Springfield Light Guards wei-e reorganized, 
when Lieut. Wyman was unanimously elected 
their Captain, in which capacity he served 
two and a half years. In February, 1853, 
Capt. Wyman was appointed Assistant Super- 
intendent of the Illinois Central Railroad. 

On the 22d day of February, 1854, the 
Chicago Light Guards were organized, and 
Capt. Wyman, by unanimous vote, was made 
commander of this splendid corps of citizen 
soldiers. After serving as Captain of this 
company three years, he resigned, but was 
again elected to the same position in 1858. 
After leaving the Illinois Central Railroad, he 
returned to his home, in Amboy, Lee county, 
111., where he engaged in private pursuits, 
carrying into them the same extraordinary 



energy that he had always shown in his pub- 
lic labors. 

The guns of Sumter awoke Capt. Wyman 
from his dream of home and rest, and the 
quiet of civil pursuits, and forced the con- 
viction into his mind that stern war was 
upon us, and that our country required all 
of its true hearts and strong arms to beat 
back and crush the traitorous foe who were 
striking at the institutions that had given us 
all liberty and happiness. Capt. Wyman im- 
mediately offered his services to the Govern- 
ment, and he was early selected as a man 
whose energy and decision of character, 
backed by his experience in military matters, 
eminently qualified him to command and lead 
in the campaigns against the rebels. He was 
commissioned as Colonel of the 13th Infantry 
Illinois Volunteers, by Gov. Yates, but as his 
services were needed in the office of the Adju- 
tant General of the State, which place his 
business talents eminently fitted him for, he 
did not join his regiment until the 14th of 
June, 1861. 

Col. Wyman, with the 13th, was ordered to 
Rolla, Mo., by the War Department, and ar- 
rived there July 7th, 1861. Rolla being the 
terminus of the southwestern branch of the 
Pacific Railroad, it was considered one of the 
most important posts in Missouri, and the key 
to the whole south-western part of the State, 
and, in fact, of the State of Arkansas, also, 
for at that time the Mississippi river was 
closed by the rebels, from a little below Cairo 
to the Gulf. The immense railroad interests, 
the receiving, distributing and forwarding of 
vast amounts of Govei'nment stores, the ren- 
dezvousing of many thousands of troops at 
different times, the hospital interests, the 
building and protecting of a fort, and the re- 
ceiving, guarding and forwarding of many 
hundreds of prisoners to St. Louis, from time 
to time, all these, and many other interests, 
required a man of no ordinary ability to take 
command of the post, and in selecting Col. 
Wyman for this position, the Government were 
not disappointed nor mistaken in their man, 
for during the eight months that he was com- 
mandant of the post, he performed its varied 
and arduous duties to the entire satisfaction of 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



45 



the Government, and the admiration of all 
those who were at all acquainted with the 
diflBculties he had to encounter. 

Through all the long and tedious marches 
of over twelve hundred miles, in all weather, 
and much of the time over the worst possible 
roads, the men suffering from sickness, fa- 
tigue, hunger, thirst, exposure of heat and 
cold, part of the time many of the men bare- 
footed and almost naked, Col. Wyman ever 
showed himself the soldier's friend, frequently 
dismounting to let a lame or sick soldier ride, 
and by such acts of kindness earning their 
lasting respect and love, by his warm and ac- 
tive sympathy in all their sufferings. 



Col. Wyman married Maria S. Bradley, 
daughter of Osgood Bradley, Esq., of Worces- 
ter, Mass., on the 23d of November, 1843. 
They have four children, three sons and one 
daughter. The eldest, Osgood B. Wyman, is 
with his father in the army, as a private sol- 
dier. The next, Henry, is at a military school, 
preparing for West Point. The two youngest, 
Lucy and John B. Wyman, Jr., are with their 
mother, at Amboy, Lee county, 111. 

Col. Wyman is now in command of one of 
the finest brigades in the south-western army, 
of which the 13th Illinois is the nucleus, and 
all eager to follow him against the enemies of 
our country. 



COL. m:arsh. 



Charles Carroll Marsh, Colonel of the 
20th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, was born 
in Oswego, N. Y., Sept. 17, 1829. In 1853 he 
removed to Chicago, and the year following 
was married to Miss Harriet B. Cooley. He 
had read law for a year, but feeling that the 
profession was already crowded, he deter- 
mined to give up the study for other pursuits 
more congenial to his active, enterprising 
mind. During his seven years' residence in 
Chicago, Mr. Marsh was actively engaged in 
business, and exhibited a deep interest in 
military matters. He was for some time 
Captain of the Chicago Light Guard, one of 
the best' disciplined military organizations 
in the country. He was called from his 
home at Chicago at a moment's notice, to go 
to Springfield. Only knowing that the busi- 
ness was of a military kind, and that he could 
be of some assistance to his State, he did not 
hesitate an instant, but was astonished on 
being put in command of Camp Yates, and in 
a few days had seven thousand men under his 
command. On being sent to Camp Goodell, 
in May, 1861, to muster in the 20th Regiment, 
although an entire stranger to all, yet he had 
the flattering compliment of being elected to 
its head by a nearly unanimous vote. In a 



private letter written at this time, he says; 
"I feel in its full force the terrible responsi- 
bility that rests upon me. One thousand men 
under me to look after, care for, and protect ; 
it is no small task, but I have put on the armor, 
and will bear it to the end, even though that 
end be my existence. I have endeavored to 
exercise my authority with discretion and 
dignity. I feel that God who called me here, 
did it for some wise purpose, and if my coun- 
try needs my life, her cause is sacred, and He 
who has numbered the hairs of my head will 
not permit me to die in vain." 

At Fort Donelson, Col. Marsh greatly dis- 
tinguished himself, and at the battle of Shiloh 
he was an acting Brigadier General, having 
command of the 2d brigade of Gen. McCler- 
nand's division, comprising the 11th, 20th, 
45th and 48th regiments Illinois Volunteers. 
His command lost in killed, wounded and 
missing in the engagement, five hundred and 
fifty men, rank and file. The 20th is now 
stationed at Jackson, Tenn., and in August 
Col. Marsh was away on a twenty days' fur- 
lough, being the first absence from his regi- 
ment during more than a year's hard service 
in the field. 



i^ 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



OEIV. CAJRTl. 



Brigadier General Eugene A. Cark, was 
born March 20th, 1830, in Erie county, N. Y. 
His father, Clark M. Carr, removed from New- 
York to Galesburg, 111., at which place he now 
resides, and Gen. Carr may be claimed as an 
Illinoisian, that being the State where his 
home has been located since the year 1849. 

At the age of sixteen, young Carr entered 
the military academy at West Point; and 
graduating above the average of his class, 
was appointed brevet Second Lieutenant in 
the regiment of mounted riflemen. After a 
short service at Jefl'erson Barracks, Mo., he 
was ordered to proceed to Fort Laramie, and 
for many years was engaged in prosecuting 
hostilities with the Indians on the plains of 
New Mexico, Texas, and the far AVest. 

In a severe skirmish near Diabolo mountain, 
in the year 1854, Lieut. Carr, advancing with 
daring alacrity upon a body of Indians, whom, 
despite serious indisposition, he had pursued 
for nearly one hundred miles, was severely 
wounded in the abdomen, by an arrow, the 
effects of which wound are still of inconven- 
ience to him. Without discontinuing his at- 
tack, he still followed the enemy, routing them 
with great loss. On account of his conduct 
on this occasion, he was promoted into the 1st 
Regiment of Cavalry. 

In 1857, he was ordered to Kansas, at the 
time of the Border Ruffian and Free State 
hostilities, and during the difficulties, being 
assigned as aid to Gov. Robert J. AValker, was 
unceasing in his endeavors for the mainten- 
ance of order between the conflicting parties. 
Lieut. Carr accompanied Governor Walker to 
Washington in the fall of 1857, and in the 
spring of 1858 served under Col. (now Gen.) 
Edwin V. Sumner, in the expedition to Utah. 

At the outbreak of the present war, Capt. 
Carr (having again received promotion) was 
in command at Fort Washita, and cognizant of 
the treachery of Gen. Twiggs and many minor 



officers, repeatedly warned the War Depart- 
ment of their traitorous movements; but that 
office being in the hands of the notorious 
Floyd, Capt. Carr was unable to obtain their 
arrest. 

Receiving orders, he moved with his com- 
mand through the Indian nation to Fort Lea- 
venworth, and from thence toward Springfield, 
Mo., participating in the battle of Wilson's 
Creek, and covering with his command the 
retreat of Gen. Sigel. 

Reporting at St. Louis to Gen. Fremont, he 
received permission from the War Department 
to accept the command of a regiment of vol- 
unteer cavalry, two of which were ofi"ered him ; 
and after a few weeks in camp, again took the 
field, at the head of the 3d Regiment Illinois 
Cavalry, in September, 1861, and has contin- 
ued constantly in service since that date. 

At the desperate battle of Pea Ridge, Ark., 
where Col. Carr commanded the 4th division 
of the army of the Southwest, with a force of 
less than 2500 men, he bore the brunt of the 
battle, and at Elkhorn Tavern for three days 
sustained the shock of nearly 20,000 rebels, 
led by Gen's Price, McCuUoch and Mcintosh, 
repulsing them with great slaughter, utterly 
routing their combined force. The sanguinary 
fury of this fight may be conceived from the 
fact that the 4th division lost about 700 men, 
being more than half the entire loss sustained 
by Gen. Curtis' army. 

Col. Carr was severely wounded in three 
places on the first day of the battle, but con- 
tinued in his saddle until victory crowned our 
arms, and, bearing his shattered wrist in a 
sling, was ever foremost where danger beck- 
oned. 

For his gallant conduct on this occasion, 
Col. Carr was promoted to a Brigadier Gen- 
eralship, March 7th, 1862, and still leads his 
noble division, which forms a part of the 
army of Gen. Curtis, now in Arkansas. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICEKS. 



47 



COL. ^^EBSTEia. 



Joseph D. Webstee, Colonel of the 1st 
Regiment Illinois Artillery, and chief of Maj. 
Gen. Grant's staff, was born at Old Hampton, 
New Hampshire, May 25th, 1811. He was 
educated at Dartmouth College, and after 
graduating, adopted the profession of civil 
engineer. He was appointed to a position in 
the corps of U. S. Topographical Engineers, 
and served with distinction through the Mexi- 
can war, receiving a Captaincy for meritorious 
conduct. In 1850, he resigned his commis- 
sion, since which date he has resided with his 
family, in Chicago. 

Col. Webster accompanied the first body of 
troops that went from Chicago to Cairo, in 
April, 1861, and took charge of the fortifica- 
tions at that place, also at Bird's Point and 
Fort Holt, and at the same time acted as Pay- 
master at Cairo. He also, at the request of 
the late Gen. Charles F. Smith, erected the 
fortifications at Paducah. 

Col. Webster was present at the capture of 
Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, and made the 
annexed report in regard to the capture of the 
last mentioned post : 

"The preparations made by the enemy for 
the defence of this position were very exten- 
sive. A complete and accurate survey of the 
works and vicinity would require more means 
and time than can now be commanded. 

"The water batteries, (upper and lower,) 
which were intended to subserve the primary 
object of the position, the control of the 
river navigation, were well located for the 
purpose. 

"At the lower and principal one were 
mounted nine pieces — eight thirty-two pound- 
ers and a ten-inch columbiad. At the upper, 
one gun of the extensive form and dimensions 
for a ten-inch columbiad, but bored as a thirty- 
two pounder and rifled, and two thirty-two 
pound carronades. Both these batteries are 
sunken or excavated in the hillside. In the 
lower, strong traverses are left between the 
guns, to secure them against an enfilading 
fire. The elevation . above the water, say 
thirty feet at the time of the gunboat attack, 
gave them a fine command of the river, and 
make the task of attacking them in front an 
arduous one. The range of the guns in arc 
were, however, quite limited. 

" The main fort was in the rear of these 
batteries, occupying a high range cloven by a 
deep gorge opening towai-d the south. The 
outworks consisted in the main of what come 



to be called rifle-pits — shallow ditches, the 
earth from which is thrown to the point, afford- 
ing them a shelter from the fire of the attack. 

"Along the front of this extensive line, the 
trees had been felled, and the brush cut and 
bent over breast high, making a wide abattis 
very difiicult to pass through. The line run 
along a ridge, cut through by several ravines 
running toward the river. The hillside rises 
by abrupt ascents to a height of perhaps 
seventy-five or eighty feet. 

" Our army approached the place with very 
little knowledge of its topography. Our first 
line «if battle was formed on the 12th instant, 
in some open fields opposite the enemy's cen- 
tre. On the 13th we were established on a 
line of heights in general parallelism with the 
enemy's outworks, and extending a distance 
of over three miles. 

"Various elevations and spurs of the hills 
afforded position for our artillery, from which 
we annoyed the enemy, but which were not 
of such commanding character as to enable 
us to achieve decided results. The ranges 
were long, and the thick woods prevented 
clear sight. 

" During the next two days our lines were 
gradually extended to the right and left, our 
skirmishers thrown out in front, keeping up 
an active and, as we since learn, an effective 
fire upon the enemy's outworks. On the 13th, 
a gallant charge was made against the enemy, 
and was probably only prevented from being 
successful by the fall of the Colonel leading 
it, who was seriously wounded. 

" Up to the 15th our operations had been 
chiefly those of investment, but we had not 
gained a position from which our artillery 
could be advantageously used against the 
main fort. On the 15th, the enemy, seeming 
to grow uncomfortable under the constricting 
process, came out of his entrenchments and 
attacked our right with great force and de- 
termination, achieving considerable success 
in the forenoon. This active movement ne- 
cessitated active retaliation. On the left wing 
an attack was ordered on the outworks, and 
the right was reinforced and ordered to re- 
take the ground lost in the morning. How 
well both orders were executed need not be 
stated. On the right our former position was 
regained and passed, and on the left a suc- 
cessful assault gave us possession of a posi- 
tion within the enemy's lines, and opened the 
way to a still better one, which nightfall alone 
prevented us from occupying with our rifled 
artillery, which would readily have com- 
manded the enemy's main works. 

" This repulse from the ground so hardly 
won in the forenoon, and probably still more 
our possession of a vantage gained within 



48 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



their lines, induced the enemy to capitulate 
on the morning of the 16th." 

At the battle of Shiloh, Col. Webster ren- 
dered most valuable service, and to him has 
been justly awarded great praise for arresting 



the progress of the victorious rebels on the 
afternoon of Sunday, the 6th of April, when 
our troops were being driven before the 
enemy towards Pittsburgh Landing. 



COri. L003J[IS. 



John Mason Loomis, one of Chicago's most 
active military as well as business men, was 
born at Windsor, Ct., Jan. 5, 1825, and re- 
ceived his education at Westfield, in his na- 
tive State. At an early age he exhibited a 
strong penchant for the profession of arms, and 
at the age of eighteen was Captain of a com- 
pany of militia, in Windsor. Upon the break- 
ing out of the Mexican war, the young Cap- 
tain's followers were anxious to enlist, and 
follow his fortunes throughout the campaign. 
The State's quota was, however, full, and the 
company was not accepted. About this time, 
Capt. Loomis left his native town, and for 
several years followed the sea, making re- 
peated voyages to China. In 1848, he came 
to the West, settled in Milwaukee, and estab- 
lished himself in the lumber trade. In 1854, 
he removed to Chicago, continuing in the 
same business. Capt. Loomis took an active 
part in organizing the Chicago Light Guard, 
in 1854, serving as a private until 1859, 
upon the election of Gen. McClellan, now 
in command of the army of the Potomac, to 
the Captaincy of the Guard, when Capt. 
Loomis was elected First Lieutenant. He af- 
terwards, upon the resignation of Gen. McClel- 
lan, commanded this famous company. In the 
spring of 1861, Capt. Loomis was elected to 
the command of the Chicago City Guard, an 
organization which, under his thorough dis- 
cipline, soon attained great efficiency. In 
July, 1861, Capt. Loomis was offered the Col- 



onelcy of the 19th Regiment Illinois Volun- 
teers, which he declined; and on the 9th of 
August was tendered by the Governor com- 
mand of the 26th Regiment, which he accept- 
ed, and at once proceeded to Springfield and 
placed himself at the head of his regiment. 
With the 26th, Col. Loomis proceeded to Han- 
nibal, Mo., an important depot for commissary 
stores, where he had command of the post, 
and during the autumn and winter following 
rendered valuable service in guarding the 
Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, and in main- 
taining order in that section of the State. In 
February, his command was ordered to New 
Madrid, and took part in the engagement at 
that point, and also took an active part in the 
capture of Island No. 10. By order of Gen. 
Pope, the colors of the 26th are inscribed with, 
the names of New Madrid and Island No. 10. 
The regiment next proceeded to Fort Pillow, 
and from there accompanied Gen. Pope's di- 
vision up the Tennessee river, and joined Gen. 
Halleck's army of the Mississippi. CoL 
Loomis greatly distinguished himself in the 
battle of Farmington, where, owing to the 
sickness of Gen. Plummer, he commanded a 
brigade, and entered Corinth with Gen. Hal- 
leck's army. Col. Loomis has been an acting 
Brigadier General ever since the capture of 
New Madrid, and at this time has command 
of the late Gen. Plummer's brigade, at Dan- 
ville, ten miles south of Corinth. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



49 



OEIV. T^-A^LLACE. 



None knew him but to love him,^ 

None named him but to praise. Halhck. 

William Henry Lamb Wallace was born 
It Urbana, Ohio, on the 8th of July, 1821. 
[n the year 1833, his father's family removed 
:o Illinois, and settled in La Salle county, on 
the south side of the Illinois river, about four 
miles south-east of the site of the present 
3ity of La Salle. In 1839, the family re- 
noved to Mt. Morris, Ogle county. In the 
svinter of 1844-5, young Wallace went to 
Springfield, the State Capital, to commence 
ihe study of law, but concluded to go to Otta- 
s^a for that purpose, and accordingly early in 
1845 commenced his studies with Judge (now 
Jolonel) T. L. Dickey, in Ottavra. He was 
idmitted to the bar early in 1846, but did not 
mter upon the practice of his profession until 
ifter his return from the Mexican campaign, 
[n 1846, he enlisted as a private in Co. I, 1st 
Flegiment Illinois Volunteers, Col. Hardin, 
ludge Dickey being the Captain of the com- 
pany. At Alton, he was chosen Second Lieu- 
tenant. At San Antonia, Texas, Adjutant 
^now General) Ben. M. Prentiss was elected 
Japtaia of the company, vice Dickey, resigned 
m account of ill health, and Lieut. Wallace 
ivas appointed Adjutant of the regiment, 
rhough engaged in several skirmishes, the 
)nly important battle in which the regiment 
;ook part was at Buena Vista, where they 
suffered a heavy loss. Adjutant Wallace rode 
lear the gallant Colonel in the desperate 
charge in which the latter lost his life. 
At the expiration of a year, when their term of 
enlistment ended, the regiment was discharged, 
vnd Lieut. Wallace returned to Ottawa, to 
resume his business. Here he formed a part- 
lership with his late instructor, Capt. Dickey, 
n^hich continued until the latter was elected 
Judge, in 1848. He at once entered upon a 
arge practice, where lie distinguished himself 
is an excellent lawyer, and won an enviable 
reputation throughout the State. In 1848, he 
Formed a partnership with Judge John C. 
Champlin, which continued until 1851. In 
1850, he was appointed Deputy Marshal to 
take the census of the county of La Salle, the 
duties of which ofSce he executed promptly 
and accurately. On the 18th of February, 



1851, he was married to Martha Ann Dickey, 
daughter of Judge Dickey. In 1853, he was 
elected State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial 
Circuit, which he held for a single term of 
four years, executing the duties of the office 
with distinguished abilities, and in a manner 
to add greatly to his reputation as a lawyer. 

When the rebellion broke out. Lieutenant 
Wallace did all in his power to aid the Gov- 
ernment. In May of that year, he was chosen 
Colonel of the 11th Regiment of Illinois 
Volunteers, for the three months service, ren- 
dezvoused at Springfield. Leaving the latter 
place on the 5th of May, he went to Villa 
Ridge, twelve miles north of Cairo, where he 
remained until the 20th of June, when he took 
command of the post at Bird's Point. This 
command he held, with occasional brief inter- 
missions, until about the 1st of January, 18G2. 
In the latter month, his regiment marched to 
Fort Jefferson. On the 1st and 2d of Feb- 
ruary, he was placed in command of the First 
Brigade of the Second Division (Gen. McCler- 
nand's) of Gen. Grant's army, and about the 
12th of the month marched to Fort Donelson, 
in the taking of which he bore a conspicuous 
part, his regiment and brigade suflFering se- 
verely. After remaining a short time at Fort 
Donelson, he returned to Fort Henry, whence 
his brigade embarked for Savannah Tenn. 
He arrived at this point early in March, and 
here received the confirmation of his appoint- 
ment as Brigadier General. 

At the memorable battle of Shiloh, on the 
6th of April, he was in command of the 
First Division of Major General Grant's 
army. Major General C. F. Smith ( since 
deceased) being sick at that time. On that 
day (Sunday), while leading his division, he 
was shot through the head, and fell from his 
horse. He was borne some distance by his 
aids, Capt. Hotchkiss and Lieut. Dickey, when 
they, supposing him dead, and being hard 
pressed by the enemy, laid him down upon the 
field, and continued the retreat, which had 
commenced just before Gen. Wallace received 
his death-wound. The next day, when the 
Federal troops regained possession of the 
ground, he was found covered with a blanket, 
his head being supported by another blanket 



50 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICEKS. 



rolled up for a pillow, and still alive. His 
■watch and purse had been taken from him. 
He was immediately carried to Gen. Grant's 
headquarters, at Savannah, where he died on 
the following Thursday. His wife arrived at 
Pittsburg Landing on the morning of the bat- 
tle, and ministered to his wants until his death. 
His body was borne to his former home at 
Ottawa, where he was buried with distin- 
guished honors in the family burial ground, 
by the masonic fraternity, of which the Gene- 
ral was an honored member. The only mili- 
tary present were his aids, Capt. Hotchkiss 
and Lieut. Dickey. A striking feature in the 
funeral cortege, was the flag of the 11th regi- 
ment, which bore the marks of the hotly con- 
tested fields of Donelson and Shiloh. In per- 
son, Gen. Wallace was very tall and erect. In 
manner, he was dignified and somewhat re- 
served, though cordial in his intercourse with 
his associates. He had, to a greater degree 
than usually falls to the lot of man, the re- 
spect, esteem and confidence of every one who 
knew him ; and I knew of no one to whom 
Shakspere's lines could be more appropriate : 

"In war was never lion raged more fierce. 
In peace was never gentle Iamb more mild." 

At a meeting of the members of the Bar of 
the State of Illinois, held in the Court House 
of the Supreme Court, at Ottawa, on the 23d 
day of April, A.D. 1862, for the purpose of 
testifying their respect for the memory of and 
regret at the untimely decease of their late 
friend and brother. General William H. L. Wal- 
lace, the following resolutions were unani- 
mously adopted : 

Resolved, That the recent death of our esteemed 
friend and brother, the late W. H. L. Wallace, from 
wounds received while gallantly leading a division at 
the battle of Pittsburg Landing, the Bar of Illinois, 
in common with the people of the whole State, de- 
plore the loss of a soldier, who, as well in his life as 
by the manner of his death on the field, has sealed by 
his blood this new testimony to the ineradicable de- 
votion which the people of Illinois are manifesting in 
heroic deeds and patriotic sacrifices to that form of 
free government on this continent which domestic 
. traitors are so wickedly attempting to overthrow. 

Resolved, That while, as citizens, the State may re- 
gret the loss of the experienced chief who could suc- 
cessfully inspire by his personal daring and valor the 
troops committed to his charge, and by his example 
and bravery command success in that desperate charge 
or assault of battle, and while to the grateful history 
of his country is now committed that fame which to 
remote ages will hereafter rank his name with the 
other heroic defenders of the Bepublic ; yet the Bar 



of Illinois have a sadder tribute to now render his 
memory, by an expression of the profound grief which 
they feel at this parting and loss of a friend and 
brother. 

Resolved, That they knew in the late W. H. L. Wal- 
lace one who, while possessing all the virtues which - 
adorn a private life of exemplary excellence, in his 
professional character he was also a man without a 
blemish. Of a persevering industry, a very high or- 
der of legal attainments, and the very highest order 
of intellectual capacity — he seemed above all to shine 
in the very spirit of intellectual, moral and profes- 
sional rectitude. This was " the daily beauty of his 
life," which never ceased to distinguish him in that 
career of professional triumph which had placed him 
already in the very front rank of eminent professional 
men, in all his intercourse with his brethren of this 
Bar and the State. As brethren, therefore, of the pro- 
fession which he honored in his life, as well as by his 
glorious death, we may well pause, as we now do, in 
the midst of our professional and other avocations, to 
drop a tear upon the tomb, and inscribe this brief 
tablet by recalling a few of the many virtues of his 
life. 

Resolved, That we tender our deepest sympathies to 
the widow and family of our departed brother ; in 
their bereavement we are impressed with the convic- 
tion that all mere words are inadequate to express 
that deep sense of aflJiction which the loss of such a 
husband must have caused to the bereaved and strick- 
en one. We humbly commend her to the guardian- 
ship and care of Him from whom alone, at such a 
time, can come the only solace for hearts so afflicted. 
He only can " temper the wind to the shorn lamb." 

Resolved, That Hon. Norman H. Purple, the Chair- 
man of this meeting, be appointed to present a copy 
of these resolutions to the Supreme Court of this 
State, at its present session, and request that they may 
be entered on record among the proceedings of said 
Court. 

Resolved, That the Secretary of this meeting furnish 
a copy of the proceedings of the meeting, and they be 
presented to the family of deceased. 

Judge Purple then said : As chairman of 
this meeting, I have been desired to present 
these resolutions to this Court, with the re- 
quest that they may be entered upon the re- 
cords thereof. In doing this, I cannot forbear 
to add my feeble personal testimony to the in- 
tellectual ability, unflinching integrity, exalt- 
ed patriotism and sterling moral worth of our 
deceased friend. It has been my good for- 
tune to know him long and well. We have 
often met, both here and in other courts of the 
State ; as lawyers, we have often had contests, 
but collisions, never. His very countenance 
was to me a guaranty of honesty and truth- 
fulness — an index to a heart that knew no 
guile. I trusted him ever, and neither pro- 
fessionally or otherwise did he ever deceive 
me. 

I never inquired where he was born, or 
whence he came, nor knew aught of his pa- 
rentage or ancestry. But I loved the man, 
because I knew that he had head, soul and 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



51 



intellect and honor ; because he was in all re- 
spects a MAN ; and when I was first assured 
of his untimely fate, selfish as it may appear, 
I do believe that I felt more deeply and keenly 
the misfortune that I had lost a friend, than 
that the country had lost a gallant soldier and 
a braye, meritorious and most accomplished 
chieftain. I felt that one of the bright lights 
of the profession to which I had devoted my 
life was at once extinguished — that a link in 
the chain that had bound me to its arduous 
duties, and enlivened its dull routine, had been 
severed and forever broken. 

I believe that these feelings and sentiments 
of the worth, character and virtue of the de- 
jeased are common to all, and find an echo in 
the hearts of all who have enjoyed the pleasure 
md honor of his acquaintance and friendship ; 
md that the grief which, in the resolutions just 
read, we declared that we feel, is as real and 
profound as the language of the resolutions 
import. 

But why speak of our sorrows or regrets 
ivhile there is one, at least, who knew him far 
setter than any one of us, to whom his loss is 
rreparable — one whose deep anguish and un- 
nitigated grief approaches nearly the boun- 
laries of despair? Yet, even she should 
iraw consolation from the reflection that he 
iied bravely fighting in defence of his coun- 
-ry, and his country's Constitution — that du- 
ring his whole life his honor has remained 
mtarnished — that victory, though dearly 
)Ought, finally crowned his dying struggle, 
hat posterity will bless, revere and honor his 
lame forever. Valor and bravery in him was 
lot a virtue ; it was a necessity — an essential 
)art of his moral and physical constitution. 
iVhen his country's call to arms was sounded, 
le was compelled to go ; and where the fight 
•aged thickest and fiercest, the very impulses 
)f his nature forced him to be foremost in the 
sonflict. 

But he sleeps now the sleep that knows no 
vaking, until the trump of God shall call him. 
\n the maturity of his strong intellect, in the 
ull vigor of his manhood, he has sacrificed his 
ife upon the altar of his country — and now re- 
)0se8 quietly and silently in his last resting 
)lace, without a blot upon his fair fame or a 
itain upon his memory. 

" So sleep the brave who sink to rest 
With all their country's honors blest." 

Whereupon, Chief Justice Caton responded: 
The Court received the announcement of the 
leath of Gen. Wallace with emotions for the 
ixpression of which we find no adequate words. 
n his death the Bar has lost one of its bright- 
!St ornaments, the Court one of its safest advis- 



ers, and our country one of its ablest defenders. 
His whole professional life has been passed 
among us, and we have known him well. All 
your words of encomium are but simple jus- 
tice, and we know they proceed from the deep- 
est convictions of their truth. All his instincts 
were those of a gentleman ; all his impulses 
were of a noble and lofty character — his sen- 
sibilities refined and generous. He was cer- 
tainly a man of a very high order of talent, 
and he was a very excellent lawyer. By his 
industry he studied the law closely, and by his 
clear judgment he applied it properly. He 
did honor to his profession : it is meet that his 
professional brethren should honor his memory. 

Scarcely a year ago he was with us, engaged 
in a lucrative practice — the ornament and the 
delight of a large circle of friends, and enjoy- 
ing the quiet endearments of domestic life, 
loving and beloved by a family worthy of him, 
now made desolate. At the very first call of 
his country for defenders, he abandoned his 
practice, he withdrew from his associates and 
friends at home, and tore himself from the 
domestic circle, and pledged his energies and 
his life to the vindication of his country's flag, 
which had been torn down and dishonored by 
rebel hands at Sumter — to the defence of that 
Constitution and those laws, the maintainance 
of which is indispensable to material great- 
ness and happiness. For these he fouglit, for 
these he died. 

For myself, I may say he was my near neigh- 
bor and my dear friend. He honored me with 
his confidence, and disclosed to me fully the 
patriotic impulses which led him te abandon 
all to defend his native land. If he was an 
able lawyer, so was he an able commander. 
If we mourn him as a departed friend and 
brother, so does the country mourn him as 
one of her ablest Generals gone. 

With the glad news of victory, comes the 
sad lament of his death. Our gladness was 
turned to mourning. So it ever is, and so 
must it ever be in this sublunary world. With 
all our joys are mingled strains of sorrow. 
Happiness unalloyed is reserved for that 
brighter and better world promised to those 
who act well their part on earth, into the full 
fruition of which those who knew him best 
doubt not he is accepted. 

The resolutions which have been adopted 
by the Bar will be entered upon the records 
of the Court, as a perpetual memorial of our 
appreciation of the worth of the late General 
Wallace, and the Clerk will furnish a copy of 
them and a copy of this order to the widow 
and family of the deceased, and out of respect 
to his memory the Court will now adjourn. 



52 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



OEIV. SHIELDS. 



Brigadier General Jahes Shields was born 
December 12th, 1810, in the village of Atmore, 
near the historic town of Dungannon, county 
Tyrone, Ireland. He spent his early boyhood 
in his native place, and was sixteen years of 
age at the time of his coming to the United 
States. He completed his education at an 
academy in Bloomfield, New Jersey, and first 
manifested a partiality for the army by joining 
a volunteer force, and serving as Second Lieu- 
tenant in the Seminole war in Florida, before 
he had attained his majority. At the expira- 
tion of the term for which he was commissioned, 
he moved to Illinois, about 1832, settled in 
Kaskaskia, on the banks of the river bearing 
that name, and not far from the Mississippi, 
where he opened a school, and numbered 
among his pupils John Pope, now in com- 
mand of the army of Virginia. Having, 
during the period of his keeping a school, 
duly qualified himself for the legal pro- 
fession, he was admitted to practice, and 
soon acquired a very respectable standing. 
A few years later, he was elected to the lower 
house of the State Legislature, and speedily 
became a leading man among the Democratic 
representatives. Fluent and precise in de- 
bate, — industrious, methodical and conscien- 
tious in the discharge of his onerous duties ; 
inspired by a praiseworthy ambition to excel, 
and governed by a rare purity of purpose, he 
won the admiration and steadfast friendship 
of the most eminent men of his party ; and 
even those who were opposed to him in politics, 
gave him many proofs of cordial personal re- 
gard. It would be a digression from the plan 
of this memoir to enter into more minute de- 
tails of his career in the General Assembly of 
Illinois. 

Gov. Carlin appointed him Auditor of the 
State in 1840, and his appointment was imme- 
diately confirmed by the Senate, He labored 
indefatigably to bring order out of chaos, and 
contributed materially to the improvement of 
the financial policy of Illinois, as well as to 
the restoration of the credit of the State, 
which had suflFered terribly in consequence of 
recklessness in banking, in land speculation, 
and in canal and railroad enterprises. His 
residence was at this time in Springfield. 



On the resignation by Judge Douglas of his 
position as Associate Justice of the Supreme 
Court of Illinois, in 1843, James Shields (who 
had recently removed to Belleville), by a joint 
vote of both houses of the Legislature, was 
chosen to fill the vacancy. He acquitted him- 
self very creditably in his new sphere of duty. 
President Polk ofi"ered him the desirable ap- 
pointment of Commissioner of the General 
Land Office, in 1845, which he accepted, and 
resigning his judgeship, he removed to Wash- 
ington. He entered into the national service 
under promising auspices, and thoroughly 
trained for business. He made quite a stir 
among the drones in his department, by giving 
specific instructions to each of his subordi- 
nates, and insisting that every one of them 
should honestly earn his salary. His skill and . 
energy were fully appreciated by the Presi- 
dent, who, on the commencement of hostili- 
ties against Mexico, nominated him Brigadier 
General of volunteers, which nomination the 
Senate presently confirmed, and he was for- 
mally commissioned on the 1st of July, 1846. 

Early in the autumn of 1846, Gen. Shields 
joined the central division of Brigadier Gen- 
eral Wool, and accompanied it in its march, 
overland, to Monclava, in the province of 
Coahuila, Mexico, where it arrived late in Oc- 
tober. He left the division at this point, and, 
according to orders, repaired to the camp of 
Major General Taylor, at Camargo, a few 
miles west of Rio Grande. On the 14th of 
November, Commodore David Conner, com- 
manding the Gulf squadron of the United 
States navy — afterwards of the Mexican gar- 
rison — took peaceable possession of Tampico; 
and Gen. Taylor, then commanding the army 
of the United States in Mexico, presently ap- 
pointed Gen. Shields Military Governor of that 
city. 

About the close of the winter of 1846-7, 
Gen. Shields was ordered to join Major Gene- 
ral Winfield Scott, before Vera Cruz, and in 
the second week of March "landed with the 
army, having a small part of one of his old 
regiments (three companies of the 2d Illinois 
foot), and the New York regiment of new vol- 
unteers," Col. Ward B. Burnett. His brigade 
was assigned to the division of his country- 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



63 



man, Major GeneralRobert Patterson (second 
in command of the army), and actively par- 
ticipated in the siege and capture of Vera 
Cruz, the emporium of Mexican commerce, 
with the Castle of San Juan d' Ulloa, the 
enemy's principal fortress, with five thousand 
prisoners and as many stands of arms, four 
hundred pieces of ordnance, and a large quan- 
tity of ordnance stores. Gen. Scott made 
special mention of his services, with those of 
other ofiScers of the army, in General Order, 
No. 80, dated at headquarters, March 30th, 
1847 — as Gen. Patterson had done in his re- 
port sixteen days previously. 

In General Order 111, April 17, arranging 
the army for the attack on the enemy's en- 
trenchments at the pass of Cerro Gordo, to 
Gen. Twiggs' division and Gen. Shields' bri- 
gade was assigned the duty of seizing posses- 
sion of the national road to Jalapa, in the 
rear of the enemy, and preventing a retreat. 
Two brigades, led by Gen. Shields and Col. B. 
Riley, of the regulars, stormed the enemy's 
camp, on the 18th, from nearly opposite di- 
rections, the command of Gen. Shields at- 
tacking the extreme leftof thefoe, and achiev- 
ing a glorious victory, but, unfortunately, at 
a terrible cost, in the number of brave men 
killed and wounded. Whilst leading his bi'i- 
gade, " over rugged ascents and through dense 
chapparal, under a severe and continuous 
flank fire," to turn the enemy's position, the 
intrepid Shields "fell severely, if not mortal- 
ly, wounded," and was carried from the field. 
Col. Baker, who fell at Ball's Blufi", succeeded 
to the command, completed the work so nobly 
begun by his immediate chief, and on the 21st 
of April reported the operations of the brigade. 

A large copper ball having passed through 
the body and lungs of Gen. Shields, the army 
surgeons declared his wound mortal, and his 
case hopeless. A Mexican surgeon, a prison- 
er, offered his services to the General, ex- 
amined the wound, and assured the suffering 
hero that he would live, if he would permit 
the removal of the coagulated blood. A des- 
perate case called for desperate remedial 
measures, and Shields gave his consent. The 
kind Mexican drew a fine silk handkerchief 
through the wound and the body of the pa- 
tient, thus removing the extravasated blood. 
It has been stated that daylight could be dis- 
tinctly seen through the hole. Care and quiet 



were necessary to his recovery, which, though 
slow, was steady. 

Gen. Twiggs, commanding the 2d division 
of regulars, reporting on the 19th of April, to 
Gen. Scott, said: 

" Of the conduct of the volunteer force un- 
der the brave Gen. Shields, I cannot speak in 
too high terms. * * * * The gallant 
General, with a shout from his men, pushed 
boldly for the road on the enemy's left, who, 
seeing their position completely turned, as 
well as driven from the hill, abandoned them- 
selves to flight. Gen. Shields was here se- 
verely wounded, the command of the brigade 
devolving upon Col. Baker, who conducted it 
with ability." 

Major General Scott, General-in-Chief, in 
his official report, dated Plain del Rio, fifty 
miles from Vera Cruz, 19th of April, men- 
tioned the injury of Gen. Shields thus : 

" Brigadier General Shields, a commander 
of activity, zeal and talent, is, I fear, if not 
dead, mortally wounded. He is some five 
miles from me at the moment;" adding, in a 
postscript, " I make a second postcript to say 
there is some hope, I am happy to learn, that 
Gen. Shields may survive his wounds." 

He repeats his commendation in a supple- 
mentary report, dated Jalapa, April 23, ad- 
ding: 

" I am happy in communicating strong 
hopes for the recovery of the gallant Gen. 
Shields, who is so much improved as to have 
been brought to this place." 

When the news of the fall of Gen. Shields 
reached the United States, the country re- 
sounded with his praise, and the leading jour- 
nals published obituary notices of him, in 
which his merits were enthusiastically spo- 
ken of. 

For "gallant and meritorious conduct" in 
this battle, he was breveted Major General of 
Volunteers in August, 1848. 

A few months pass away ; the twelve months 
volunteers return to their homes ; reinforce- 
ments arrive for the war ; the army approaches 
nearer and nearer to the city of Mexico ; new 
battles are to be fought, fresh victories to be 
gained ; Gen. Shields chafes at his own com- 
pulsory inactivity. Preparations for the final 
work of the campaign are being pushed for- 
ward vigorously ; officers and men are eager 
to meet the foe, in a decisive contest. Gen. 
Shields joined his command at San Augustin, 
on the main road to and only nine miles from 
the capital, early in August, 1847. The at- 
tack on Contreras is in progress, 19th of that 



54 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



month. The General-in-Chief communicates 
special orders to Gen. Shields, who promptly 
obeys. 

Marching his brigade over rough and bro- 
ken ground, partially covered with a low for- 
est, he reached Contreras time enough to find 
Gen. Cadwallader's forces in position, observ- 
ing the formidable strength of reinforcements 
pouring out of the capital, into the entrench- 
ments of the enemy. What follows, Gen. 
Shields himself will describe. 

<'0n the 19th instant, about three o'clock 
in the afternoon, pursuant to the orders of the 
General commanding this division, I marched 
from this place with the New York and South 
Carolina regiments of volunteers, towards the 
battle-field of Contreras. On reporting to the 
commander-in-chief, who occupied, on my ar- 
rival, a position which overlooked the field, 
he described to me, in a few words, the posi- 
tion of the contending forces, pointed out the 
route of my command, and briefly instructed 
me as to the disposition which would render 
my force the most serviceable. 

" Directing my march upon the village near 
Contreras, the troops had to pass over ground 
covered with rocks and crags, and filled with 
chasms, which rendered the route almost im- 
passable. A deep, rugged ravine, along the bed 
of which rolled a rapidslream, was passed after 
dark, with great difficulty and exertion ; and to 
rest the wearied troops after crossing, I directed 
them to lie upon their arms until midnight. 
While occupying thisposition, two strong pick- 
ets thrown out by my order, discovered, fired 
upon, and drove back a body of Mexican in- 
fantry moving through the fields in a direction 
from their position towards the city. I have 
since learned th.at an attempt had in like man- 
ner been made by the enemy to pass the posi- 
tion on the main road, occupied by the Ist 
regiment of artillery, and with a like want of 
success. About midnight I again resumed the 
march, and joined Brigadier General Smith, 
in the village already referred to. 

" Gen. Smith, previous to my arrival, had 
made the most judicious arrangements for 
turning and surprising the Mexican position, 
about daybreak, and with which I could not 
wish to interfere. This cast upon my com- 
mand the necessity of holding the position to 
be evacuated by Gen. Smith, and which was 
threatened by the enemy's artillery and infan- 
try on the right, and a large force of his ca- 
valry on the left. About daybreak, the enemy 
opened a brisk fire of grape and round shot 
upon the church and village in which my bri- 
gade was posted, and also upon a part of our 
troops displayed to divert him on his right and 
front — evidently unaware of the movement in 
progress to turn his position by the left and 
rear. This continued until Col. Riley's bri- 
gade opened its fire from the rear, which was 



delivered with such terrible eff'ect that the 
whole Mexican force was thrown into the ut- 
most consternation. 

" At this juncture, I ordered the two regi- 
ments of my command to throw themselves 
on the main road, by which the enemy must 
retire, to intercept and cut ofi" his retreat ; 
and, although oflScers and men had sufi"ered 
during the march of the night, and from ex- 
posure without shelter or cover to the inces- 
sant rain until daybreak, this movement was 
executed in good order, and with rapidity. 
The Palmetto regiment, crossing a deep ra- 
vine, deployed on both sides of the road, and 
opened a most destructive fire upon the min- 
gled masses of infantry and cavalry; and the 
New York regiment, brought into line lower 
down, and on the road side, delivered its fire 
with a like effect. At this point many of the 
enemy were killed and wounded ; some 865 
captured, of which 35 were officers, among 
the latter was Gen. Nicolas Mendoza. 

"In the meantime, the enemy's cavalry, 
about 3,000 strong, which had been threaten- 
ing our position during the morning, moved 
down towards us in good order, as if to attack. 
I immediately recalled the infantry, to place 
them in position to meet the threatened move- 
ment ; but soon the cavalry changed its di- 
rection, and retreated towards the capital. I 
now received an order from Gen. Twiggs to 
advance by the main road towards Mexico ; 
and having posted Capt. Marshall's company 
of South Carolina volunteers, and Capt. Tay- 
lor's New York volunteers in charge of the 
pi'isoners and wounded, I moved oflf with the 
remainder of my force, and joined the posi- 
tions of the 2d and 3d divisions, already en 
route on the main road. On this march we 
were joined by the General-in-Chief, who as- 
sumed command of the whole, and the march 
continued uninterrupted until we arrived be- 
fore Churubusco. Here the enemy was found 
strongly fortified and posted with his main 
force, probably 25,000. 

" The engagement was commenced by the 
2d division, under Twiggs, soon joined by the 
1st, under Worth, and was becoming general, 
when I was detached by the Commander-in- 
Chief, with my two regiments and Pierce's 
brigade — the 9th, 12th and 15th — with the 
mountain howitzer battery, and ordered to 
gain a position, if possible, to attack the ene- 
my's rear, and intercept his retreat. 

"Leaving Coyoacan by a left-hand road, 
and advancing about a mile upon it, I moved 
thence with my command towards the right, 
through a heavy corn-field, and gained an 
open but swampy field, in which is situated 
the hacienda De los Portales. On the edge 
of this field, beyond the hacienda, I discovered 
the road by which the enemy must retire from 
Churubusco, and found his reserve of about 
4,000 infantry, already occupied it, just in 
rear of the town. As my command arrived, 
I established the right upon, a point recom- 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICEKS. 



55 



mended by Capt. Lee, engineer officer, in 
•whose skill and judgment I had the utmost 
confidence, and commenced a movement to 
the left, to flank the enemy on his right, and 
throw my Iroops between him and the city ; 
but finding his right supported by a heavy 
body of cavalry, some 3,000 strong, and 
seeing, too, that with his infantry he answered 
to my movements by a corresponding one to- 
wards his right flank, gaining ground faster 
than I could, owing to the heavy mud and 
swamp through which I had to operate, I 
withdrew the men to the cover of the hacienda, 
and determined to attack him upon his front. 
I selected the Palmetto regiment as the base 
of my line, and this gallant regiment moved 
forward firmly and rapidly under a fire of 
musketry as terrible, perhaps, as any which 
soldiers ever faced; the New York 12th 
and 15th, deployed gallantly on the right, and 
the 9th on the left, and the whole advanced, 
opening their fire as they came up, and mov- 
ing steadily forward. The enemy began to 
waver, and when my order to charge was 
given, the men rushed upon and scattered his 
broken ranks. As we reached the road, the 
advance of Worth's command appeared, driv- 
ing the enemy from his stronghold of Churu- 
busco. I took command of the front, and 
continued in pursuit until passed by Harney 
with his cavalry, who followed the routed foe 
into the very gates of the city. 

" In this terrible battle, in which a strongly 
fortified enemy fought behind his works un- 
der the walls of his capital, our loss is neces- 
sarily severe. This loss, I regret to say, has 
fallen most severely upon my command. In 
the two regiments of my own brigade, num- 
bering about 600 in the fight, the loss is re- 
ported 240 in killed and wounded. 

"In this last engagement, my command 
captured 380 prisoners, including six officers. 
Of this number, 42 had deserted from the 
American army during the war, and at their 
head was found the notorious O'Reilly, who 
had fought against out troops at Monteray 
and elsewhere." 

Major General Quitman, in his report to the 
General-in-Chief, dated San Augustin, August 
26th, enclosing the report of Gen. Shields, 
says he has nothing to add to it, " except the 
expression of my unqualified admiration of 
the distinguished conduct of that gallant 
officer, and my approbation of the good con- 
duct and gallantry of the portion of my di- 
vision which had the good fortune to be ac- 
tively engaged under his command." 

The General-in-Chief, in his official report, 
August 28, bears generous testimony to the 
great ability displayed by Gen. Shields, in 
these hazardous movements, and makes spe- 
cial reference to his noble conduct, in waiving 



his right to command as senior officer, in fa- 
vor of Gen. Persifer F. Smith, his junior, as 
mentioned in the foregoing extract from the 
report of Gen. Shields. 

Major General Worth, in his report of Au- 
gust 23, is equally eulogistic of the gallantry 
of Gen. Shields, during the perilous hours of 
concert and co-operation ; and brevet Briga- 
dier General Smith, of the 1st brigade, 2d 
division of regulars, writing on the same day, 
expresses his great admiration of his courage 
and skill. 

The command of Gen. Shields again dis- 
tinguished itself in the attack on Chapultapec, 
and the advance against the city of Mexico. 
Its chivalrous leader, in his report dated "Mex- 
ico, Sept. 15, 1847," described his progress 
thus : 

" We arrived at Tacubaya on the 11th inst., 
under cover of the night. About daylight 
next morning, my brigade was posted, by the 
order of the General of division, in a position 
to support a heavy battery, being known as 
battery No. 1, under the command of Capt. 
Drum, 4th artillery. This battery was erected 
on the Tacubaya road, in front of the castle 
of Chapultapec. My command continued in 
the performance of this duty, which was both 
arduous and laborious, during the whole of 
the ensuing day and night. While here, we 
furnished large details to aid in the erection 
of battery No. 2, under the direction of Capt. 
Huger, and also to support the battery when 
erected. 

" During all this time, the most of my com- 
mand was exposed to a most annoying fire 
from the castle and heights of Chapultapec, 
which they bore with the most perfect cool- 
ness and composure. I may as well mention 
here, that, during the day of the 12th, the 
General commanding the division pushed a 
bold and vigorous reconnoisanoe, in person, 
to the right, towards the church and enclos- 
ures, as well as the great aqueduct leading to 
Mexico ; and this reconnoisanoe disclosed the 
existence of one or two strong batteries in 
that vicinity, and a strong infantry force, 
which lined the walls and enclosures. 

" About eight o'clock, on the morning of 
18th, pursuant to the order of the General of 
division, preparations began to be made for a 
general assault on the castle and environs. 
The storming parties, consisting of an effi- 
cient force from Twiggs' brigade under com- 
mand of Capt. Casey, 2d infantry, and a se- 
lected force of 120 men from the whole divis- 
ion, under command of Major Twiggs, marine 
corps, as well as forty pioneers, under the 
command of Capt. Reynolds, marine corps, 
were moved forward along the road to the 
right, with the intention of crossing the fields 



56 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICEKS. 



and carrying the defences surrounding the 
castle. The marines, under Lieut. Col. Wat- 
son, were also ordered forward to support 
those parties. This force had not yet reached 
the point where it was to cross the field to the 
left, when a terrible fire of grape and mus- 
ketry opened upon them from the stone wall 
and base of the hill in front, and the woods, 
walls and enclosures to the right. It became 
evident, in an instant, that the main force of 
the enemy, having been driven from the hill 
and castle by our artillery, had thrown itself 
in our front and on our right, under cover 
of woods, stone walls, buildings and enclo- 
sures. This induced the General, who saw 
the whole with a glance, to direct a new 
movement across the fields to the left. I re- 
ceived orders, therefore, to turn the Palmettos 
and New Yorkers in that direction. The 
Pennsylvania regiment received orders from 
him to make a similar movement. The Pal- 
mettos, New Yorkers and Pennsylvanians ar- 
rived at the point of detour, and received or- 
ders to cross the fields in succession ; and, 
though the route was intercepted by deep 
ditches filled with water, and the whole move- 
ment was performed under a severe fire of 
musketry in front, from the hill, and behind 
stone walls, and a tremendous fire of grape 
and musketry from the woods and enclosures 
on the right, yet these gallant regiments ad- 
vanced with unshaken firmness and intrepidity. 
The Palmettos gained the wall without firing 
a shot, broke through it, and ascended the 
hill in a body, to the support of the storming 
parties from the other division. Several of 
the New York companies ascended the hill 
with such rapidity that they united with the 
storming parties of the other divisions ; and 
the New York flag, and company B of that 
regiment, under the command of a gallant 
young officer, Lieut, lleid, were among the 
first to mount the ramparts of the castle, and 
there display the stars and stripes to the ad- 
miration of the army. Lieut. Brower, com- 
manding company F, same regiment, had the 
good fortune to capture Gen. Bravo, the Mexi- 
can commander of Chapultapec. The other 
officers and soldiers of the whole command, 
behaved with equal gallantry and good con- 
duct. Lieut. Col. Baxter, commanding the 
New Yorkers, fell mortally wounded in this 
gallant charge. He was an officer of the 
most determined courage and intrepidity, and 
behaved with great gallantry, both at Con- 
treras and Churubusco, and his loss has been 
severely felt, both by his regiment and the 
army. Major Burnham, upon whom the com- 
mand next devolved, led it during the rest of 
the day with great gallantry and good conduct. 
"In the meantime, the battle raged with in- 
creased fury on our right. The main body of 
the enemy seemed bent on maintaining that 
position, and thus keeping open the commu- 
nication with the city. This imposed upon 
the small force in that direction the necessity 



of maintaining an unequal contest against 
tremendous odds in numbers, and a most for- 
midable position. The place, however, was 
finally carried, with considerable loss. Here 
Major Twiggs fell at the head of his command; 
he was a brave and veteran officer, and his 
loss has been most severely felt by the whole 
command. The marines, under their gallant 
commander, Lieut. Col. Watson, exhibited the 
courage and discipline for which that corps is 
so justly celebrated. 

"A portion of the command being now 
supplied with ammunition, tlie whole advanced 
along the Tacubaya road, from arch to arch 
of the aqueduct, towards the Garita of Belen. . 
The whole of this movement was conducted 
under the immediate eye and direction of the 
General commanding the division. The rifles 
and Palmettos led the advance. The enemy 
made another determined stand at a position 
on the road, above a mile from Chapultapec, 
and behind a strong breastwork across the 
road, flanked upon his right by a field redan, 
and protected upon the left by an impassable 
marsh. 

"This position, however, was soon rapidly 
carried by the rifles and Palmettos, aided by a 
well directed fire from Drum's battery. The 
advance was now pushed forward to the Gari- 
ta. Here the enemy made a most determined 
stand ; and as the ground to the right and 
left was marshy and impracticable, the move- 
ments forward, from arch to arch, became 
slow and hazardous, and had to be made under 
a terrible fire of round shot, grape, canister 
and musketry. The loss here was necessarily 
severe, but richly compensated for by the 
capture of the Garita — the entrance to the 
city. The Garita was captured between one 
and two o'clock, and from then till dark that 
position was maintained under the most terri- 
ble fire on the part of the enemy. 

" Beyond this Garita, about three o'clock in 
the aftei'noon, Major Gladden, commanding 
the Palmettos — a brave, active and gallant 
officer — received a severe wound, and was 
carried off the field. 

"About dark I was compelled to withdraw 
from the ground, in consequence of a wound 
received in my left arm, in the early part of 
the day, during the assault on Chapultapec. 
My whole body became paralyzed from the 
influence of the arm, and I was carried by the 
officers of my stafl" to the nearest house, to 
obtain medical assistance. 

"Capt. F. N. Page, my Assistant Adjutant 
General, an officer of great gallantry and in- 
trepidity, Received a slight wound from a grape 
shot, in the side, while standing near me, 
awaiting my orders. My aid-de-camp, Lieut. 
Hammond, 3d artillery, whose services and 
gallantry have distinguished him in every 
field, escaped himself, but had his horse killed 
while advancing along the arches. My own 
horse was also shot near the same place. I 
have only to add, without specifying names 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



57 



and particulars, that my whole command be- 
haved with the most distinguished intrepidity 
during the day, and have merited, I hope, the 
approbation of the General commanding the 
division." 

Major General Quitman (who led the ad- 
vance into the city of Mexico), in his report 
of the 29th of September, of the movements 
and operations of the portion of the army 
under his command, from the afternoon of the 
11th to the raising of the American flag on 
the National Palace of Mexico, on the 14th, 
renews the expression of his exalted opinion 
of Gen. Shields, and his activity and daring, 
adding that : 

" Brigadier General Shields had solicited 
from me the command of the storming parties 
on the morning of the 13th. Not feeling jus- 
tified in permitting so great an exposure of an 
officer of his rank, with an inadequate com- 
mand, and requiring his invaluable services, 
with his brigade, the application was declined. 
Until carried from the field on the night of the 
13th, in consequence of the severe wound re- 
ceived in the morning, he was conspicuous for 
his gallantry, energy and skill." 

Again, in the same report, referring to the 
storming of Chapultapec, and to the prompt- 
ness and intrepidity of the battalion of ma- 
rines and the New York and South Carolina 
regiments, belonging to the immediate com- 
mand of Gen. Shields, as well as the 2d 
Pennsylvania regiment, led by Lieut. Col. 
John W. Geary, and for a while acting under 
his orders, Gen. Quitman states that " in di- 
recting the advance. Brigadier General Shields 
was severely wounded in the arm. No per- 
suasions, however, could induce that officer 
to leave his command, or quit the field." 

The General-in-Chief, in his official account 
of the brilliant operations of the American 
army, on the 12th, 13th and 14th of Septem- 
ber, dated " National Palace of Mexico, Sept. 
18, 1847," is equally complimentary to Gen. 
Shields and the gallant men of his command. 
He makes special and commendatory mention 
of " Shields badly wounded before Chapulta- 
pec and refusing to retire." 

He returned to Belleville, Illinois, after the 
war. In January, 1849, he was elected by the 
Legislature of Illinois, U. S. Senator for six 
years, and took his seat at the extra session on 
March 4th, 1849. A question was raised as 
to his eligibility, his technical citizenship un- 
der his naturalization not reaching nine years 



until October, 1849. During the discussion 
of this subject, he resigned, and the Legisla- 
ture the next fall re-elected him. He served 
until March 3d, 1855, when he was succeeded 
by Judge Trumbull. He removed, in 1856, 
to Minnesota, and commenced lumbering on a 
farm in Faribault county. The first Legisla- 
ture of that State elected him, in 1857, U. S. 
Senator. In classifying the terms of the new 
Senators, Gen. Shields won the short term, 
expiring March 3d, 1858. At the expiration 
of that time, he resumed his agricultural pur- 
suits, but in the spring of 1860 moved to Cali- 
fornia, where he was residing when the war 
broke out, when he was appointed Brig. Gen. 
of Volunteers. He was attached to the army 
of the Shenandoah, and was present at the 
battle of Winchester, of which the General 
gives the following informal description in a 
private letter dated March 26th, 1862 : 

" I will give you a brief account of our late 
operations. My reconnoisance beyond Stras- 
burg, on the 18th and 19th insts., discovered 
Jackson, reinforced, in a strong position, near 
New Market, within supporting distance of 
the main body of the rebels under Johnson. 
It was necessary to decoy him from that posi- 
tion. Therefore, I fell back rapidly to Win- 
chester, on the 20th, as if in retreat, march- 
ing my whole command nearly thirty miles in 
one day. My force at night was placed in a 
secluded position, two miles from Winchester, 
on the Martinsburg road. On the 21st, the 
rebel cavalry, under Ashby, showed themselves 
to our pickets, within sight of Winchester. 
On the 22d, all of Gen. Banks' command, with 
the exception of my division, evacuated Win- 
chester, en route for Centerville. This move- 
ment, and the masked position of my division, 
made an impression upon the inhabitants, 
some of whom were in secret communication 
with the enemy, that our army had left, and 
that nothing remained but a few regiments to 
garrison this place. Jackson was signalled to 
this efi"ect. I saw their signals and divined 
their meaning. About five o'clock on the af- 
ternoon of the 22d, Ashby, believing the town 
was almost evacuated, attacked our pickets 
and drove them in. This success increased 
his delusion. It became necessary, however, 
to repulse them for the time being. I, there- 
fore, ordered forward a brigade, and placed it 
in front, between Winchester and the enemy. 
I only let them see, however, two regiments 
of infantry, two batteries of artillery and a 
small force of cavalry, which he mistook as 
the whole force left to garrison and protect the 
place. In a little skirmish that evening, while 
placing the artillery in position, I was struck 
by a fragment of a shell, which broke my arm 
above the elbow, injuring my shoulder, and 



58 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



damaged me otherwise to such an extent that 
I have lain prostrate ever since. I commenced 
making preparations for any emergency that 
might occur that night or the next morning. 
Under cover of the night I ordered an entire 
brigade (Kimball's) to take up a strong posi- 
tion in advance. I pushed forward four batte- 
ries, having them placed in a strong position 
to support the infantry. I placed Sullivan's 
brigade on both flanks, to prevent surprise 
and to keep my flanks from being turned, and 
I held Ty'er's brigade in reserve, to operate 
-against any point that might be assailed in 
front. In this position I awaited and ex- 
pected the enemy's attack the next morning. 
My advance brigade was two miles from the 
town, its pickets extending perhaps a mile 
farther along the turnpike to Strasburg. About 
eight o'clock in the morning I sent forward 
two experienced officers to reconnoitre the 
front, and report indications of the enemy. 
They returned in an hour, reporting no enemy 
in sight except Ashby's force of cavalry, in- 
fantry and artillery, which by this time had 
become familiar and contemptible to us. Gen. 
Banks, who was yet here in person, upon hear- 
ing this report, concluded that Jackson could 
not be in front, or be decoyed away so far 
from the main body of the rebel army. In 
this opinion I, too, began to concur, conclud- 
ing that Jackson was too sagacious to be 
caught in such a trap. Gen. Banks, therefore, 
left for Washington. His staff of officers was 
directed to follow the same day, by way of 
Centerville. Knowing, however, the crafty 
enemy I had to deal with, I omitted no pre- 
caution. My whole force was concentrated 
and prepared to support Kimball's brigade, 
which was in advance. About half-past ten 
o'clock it became evident we had a considera- 
ble force before us ; but the enemy still con- 
cealed himself so adroitly in the woods that it 
was impossible to estimate it. I ordered a 
portion of the artillery forward, to open tire 
and unmask them. By degrees they began to 
show themselves. They planted battery after 
battery in strong positions, on the centre and 
on both flanks. Our artillery responded, and 
this continued until about half-past three 
o'clock in the afternoon, when I directed a 
column of infantry to carry a battery on their 
left flank, and to assail that flank, which was 
done promptly and splendidly by Tyler's bri- 
gade, aided by some regiments from the other 
brigades. The fire of the infantry was so 
close and destructive that it made havoc in 
their ranks. The result was the capture of 
their guns on the left, and the forcing back of 
that wing on the centre, thus placing them in 
a position to be routed by a general attack, 
which was made about five o'clock, by all the 
infantry, and succeeded in driving them in 
flight from the field. Night fell upon us at 
this stage, leaving us in possession of the field 



of battle, two guns and four caissons, three 
hundred prisoners, and about one thousand 
stand of small arms. Our killed in this en- 
gagement cannot exceed one hundred men, 
wounded two hundred and thirty-three. The 
enemy's killed and wounded exceed one thou- 
sand. The inhabitants of the adjacent villa- 
ges carried them to their houses as they were 
removed from the field of battle. Houses be- 
tween the battle-field and Strasburg, and eveu 
far beyond, have since been found filled with 
the dead and dying of the enemy. Graves 
have been discovered far removed from the 
road, where the inhabitants of the country 
buried them as they died. Gen. Banks, in his 
pursuit of the enemy beyond Strasburg after- 
wards, found houses on the road twenty-two 
miles from the battle-field, filled in this man- 
ner, and presenting the most ghastly spectacle. 
The havoc made in the ranks of the rebels has 
struck this whole region of country with ter- 
ror. Such a blow has never fallen on them 
before, and, it is more crushing because wholly 
unexpected. Jackson and his stone-wall bri- 
gade, and all the other brigades accompanying 
him, will never meet this division again in 
battle. During the night they managed to 
carry off their artillery in the darkness. We 
opened upon them by early daylight the next 
morning, and they commenced to retreat. 
Gen. Banks returned from Harper's Ferry be- 
tween nine and ten o'clock a. m., and placed 
himself, at my request, at the head of the 
command, ten miles from the battle-field, pur- 
suing the enemy. Reinforcements, which we 
had ordered back from Williams' division, 
and which I had ordered forward during the 
night, now came pouring in, and with all these 
we continued the pursuit, pressing them with 
vigor and with repeated and destructive at- 
tacks as far as Woodstock, where we halted 
from mere exhaustion. The enemy's suffer- 
ings have been terrible, and such as they have 
nowhere else endured since the commence- 
ment of this war ; and yet such were their 
gallantry and high state of discipline, that at 
no time during the battle or pursuit did they 
give way to panic. They fled to Mount Jack- 
son, and are by this time, no doubt, in com- 
munication with the main body of the rebel 
army. I hope to be able in a few days to ride 
in a buggy, and place myself at the head of 
my command ; but I have neither sufficient 
force nor sufficient rank to do that service to 
the country that I hope and feel I am capable 
of. No man could be better treated than I am 
by Gen. Banks; and yet, if he and his com- 
mand had been here on the 23d, you would 
have heard nothing of a fight, because our 
wily enemy would not have been entrapped, 
I want an efficient cavalry regiment — the 3d 
U. S. Cavalry, for instance — and additional 
infantry. I can do the country service if they 
give me a chance. JAMES SHIELDS." 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



59 



GEIV. SCHOFIELD. 



Brig. Gen. John McAllister Schofield, 
in command of the State of Missouri, was born 
Sept. 29th, 1831, in Chatauque county, N. Y. 
His fathei*, Rev. J. V. Schofield, removed with 
his family, in 1843, to Illinois. His grandfather 
John McAllister was an officer in the war of 
1812, and, also, his grandfather James Scho- 
field. His father had not the means to give 
his boys a collegiate education, and when his 
eldest son was leaving home for an eastern 
college, the General, then a boy fifteen years 
old, thought he might have an education also, 
and resolved from that hour to get it. At the 
age of seventeen he had made good proficiency 
in study, and had taught a district school the 
winter of that year. In the following spring 
he was appointed a cadet in West Point, upon 
the recommendation of Hon. T. J. Turner, 
then representative in Congress from northern 
Illinois. The appointment was unthought of 
and unsought for by any one, and was given 
as an expression of regard for the General's 
father, and a knowledge of the boy's desires 
and capacity for study, especially mathematics. 
He took a high stand in his class as a mathe- 
matician, and was popular with his Professors 
and fellows in the Academy, He graduated 
in June, 1853 ; was brevetted Second Lieuten- 
ant in the 2d artillery, and stationed for two 
years at Fort Moultrie, S. C, and Fort Casser, 
Florida. He was then called to West Point as 
instructor in natural philosophy. He was 
popular as a teacher and a man. He spent 
much time in the observatory, in taking as- 
tronomical observations, both for his own love 
of science, and to aid scientific men. In 
1857, he married the daughter of Prof. Wm. 
Bartlett, the well known author of works on 
natural philosophy to be used in his own de- 
partment at West Point, The General re- 
mained at West Point for five years, and then 
obtained a leave of absence, to occupy the 
chair of natural philosophy in Washington 
University, St. Louis, Mo., which place he 
was filling when the rebellion broke out. By 
an order from Washington, he was detailed to 
muster into service troops from Missouri. He 
administered the oath to over 10,000 men, and 
was appointed Major in the 1st Missouri In- 
fantry. His rank in the regular army at the 



time was First Lieutenant, and May 14, 1861, 
he was appointed Captain, and Nov. 21, 1861, 
Brigadier General of Volunteers. He led one 
regiment to the capture of Camp Jackson, and 
was detailed to escort the prisoners to the 
arsenal, and administered to them the oath. 
When Gen. Lyon left for Boonville, he was 
left in command of the arsenal, and after the 
battle there, he joined Lyon, as Assistant Ad- 
jutant General and chief of staflP. In that 
march to Springfield, and the terrible battle 
there fought, he was one of Gen. Lyon's chief 
advisers. They slept together under the 
same blanket for three hours, in sight of the 
camp fires of Wilson's Creek, where the hero 
and true patriot " slept his last sleep, and 
fought his last battle." 

Gen. Schofield, by his skill and ability, won 
the confidence of all in that noble little army. 
He was with Gen. Lyon constantly until he 
fell in that fearful struggle for victory over a 
greatly superior force. Both before and after 
Gen. Lyon's death, he was in the thickest of 
the fight, had a horse shot from under him, 
his sword cracked with a bullet, and the beard 
under his chin cut by another. AVhen the 
battle had raged with fierceness for three 
hours, Gen. Lyon was slightly wounded, and 
it was yet uncertain how the scales would 
turn. All things seemed against success. 
At this critical point he said to Gen. Schofield, 
"Major, I fear the day is lost." "No," he 
replied, "let us try it again." The Major 
then led the 1st Iowa regiment to the support 
of Totten's battery, and ordered them to stand 
by it, and right nobly did they obey the com- 
mand. Gen. Lyon at the same time took the 
2d Kansas regiment into action, and fell while 
gallantly leading them to the conflict. Gen. 
Schofield started to find Lyon, and met hia 
servant and others bringing him off the field, 
dead. Such was the critical state of the bat- 
tle that he did not report the fact to Major 
Sturges, upon whom the command then de- 
volved, for half an hour. He then told him 
that Gen. Lyon was killed, and asked for or- 
ders. The battle then raged with increased 
intensity for three hours more, until that vast- 
ly superior force was repelled the fourth time 
from their chosen ground. Major Sturges, in 



60 



SKETCHES OP ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



making his report, acknowledged his indebt- 
edness to the official report of Gen. Schofield, 
and in many instances copied it yei'batim, and 
remarked that "he did not wish to particular- 
ize any, but he could not forbear mentioning 
the conduct of Major Schofield, for his cool- 
ness and bravery as he passed over the battle- 
field, giving orders and leading regiments into 
action, exposed to the fire of both armies. It 
gave confidence to the soldiers, and was the 
common theme of remark." One of the cor- 
respondents on the field remarked the same 
thing, and wrote, "A finer gentleman, a truer 
patriot and a braver soldier, never lived." 
The Chaplain of one of the regiments, the 
Missouri 1st, who was on the battle-field, and 
in the whole march, says, "To Gen. Schofield's 
untiring energy, perhaps more than any other 
officer in the gallant little army, is the coun- 
try indebted for their safe retreat to RoUa, 
with their valuable train and stores." 

Gen. Schofield organized a battery, in Octo- 
ber, 1861, at the St. Louis Arsenal, joined 
Col. Carlin's force at Pilot Knob, marched to 
Fredericktown, where Col. Plummer's com- 
mand from Cape Girardeau met them, at- 
tacked Jeflf. Thompson, and gained the bril- 
liant victory of Fredericktown, all in the short 
space of four days. Immediately after his 
appointment as Brigadier General of Volun- 
teers, on the 27th of November, 1861, he was 
assigned to the command of the militia of 
Missouri, authorized by the War Department, 
to be raised for service during the war. This 
force was placed in active service as fast as 
their company organizations were completed, 
and long before they could be properly or- 
ganized into regiments. Before the expira- 
tion of four months, he had organized, armed 



and equipped, and placed in the field, sixteen 
regiments, and this, too, after Missouri had 
furnished over 40,000 men to the United States 
volunteer forces, and 50,000 to the rebels. 
He took the field in person, about the 25th of 
December, 1861, to restore the peace of the 
State north of the Missouri river, where, by 
a general and concentrated uprising of the 
rebels, the entire line of the North Missouri 
Railroad was broken up. Nearly every bridge, 
several station houses, water tanks, and two 
or three trains of cars burned, and the whole 
country in a state of terror and alarm. In 
less than one month he had scattered and driv- 
en out the rebel bands, captured some fifty of 
the bridge burners, and restored peace and 
quiet. When Gen. Halleck took the field, im- 
mediately after the battle of Corinth, about 
four-fifths of the State, with some 25,000 
troops of volunteers and militia, were under 
his command, and on the 1st of June, 1862, 
the district of Missouri, comprising the en- 
tire State, was placed under his command. 
His headquarters are in St. Louis, and his 
troops, some 30,000 in Missouri, now occupy 
every important post in the State, and are 
holding in check fully an equal number of 
rebels, now gathering in Arkansas, and threat- 
ening Missouri, together with several bands 
of guerrillas, numbering from 100 to 3,000 
each. 

Gen. Schofield was selected as one of the 
three officers of the Board appointed by the 
President to inspect the naval flotilla, at Cairo, 
before it was regularly placed in service, in 
January, 1862. He is industrious, and em- 
phatically a great worker, devoting from 
twelve to fifteen hours each day to his office, 
in St, Louis, Mo. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



61 



COIL,. ELLSW^OIiTH. 



Life is not lost, from which is bought 
Endless renown. Spenser. 

Although not in command of one of her 
regiments, at the time he fell — almost the first 
victim of the rebellion — Illinois claims the 
young hero, Ellsworth, as one of her most 
distinguished ofiBcers. It was on her soil he 
manifested his love for the profession of arms, 
and in her principal city that he first made 
his name familiar as a household word, by 
organizing and drilling to such marvellous 
perfection, the famous United States Zouave 
Cadets, who became known far and wide by 
their peculiar dress, and the novelty and 
celerity of their movements. 

Ephraim Elmer Ellsworth was born at 
Malta, Saratoga County, New York, on the 
11th of April, 1837. His early years were 
shadowed by the total wreck of his father's 
fortune, in the financial troubles which, about 
the period of his birth, swept over the land. 
His father never recovered ; disaster followed 
disaster, and after learning the English rudi- 
ments at the village school, Elmer went out, 
unaided, into the wide world, to seek his for- 
tunes. After various employments in Troy 
and New York, and ineffectual attempts to 
enter West Point, he determined to go to Illi- 
nois. Before he was twenty -one years of age, 
he was successfully engaged in business as a 
patent agent in Chicago. Energetic and at- 
tentive to his affairs, he was building up his 
fortune ; but like many a true man, beheld 
the fruit of his toil swept away by the vil- 
lainy of one whom he had trusted. 

Having perfectly mastered Hardee's System 
of Tactics, become a perfect adept in gymnas- 
tics, and made himself an unequalled swords- 
man and marksman, he gathered around him 
a number of young men, who entered with 
spirit into his system, and on the 4th day of 
May, 1857, organized the United States Zouave 
Cadets, of Chicago, the first Zouave company 
ever seen in this country. Total abstinence 
from intoxicating liquors and tobacco was a 
strict law, the violation of which blotted the 
name of the offender from the roll. This 
corps he trained, as opportunity offered, for 
about a year, and at the same time gave at- 
tention to similar organizations in Lockport 



and Springfield. At the United States Agri- 
cultural Fair, Ellsworth's Chicago Zouaves 
won the colors to be awarded to the company 
exhibiting greatest efi&ciency in drill. 

The novelty and picturesqueness of the 
dress, combined with the exactness and celeri- 
ty of their evolutions, soon made the Zouaves 
and their young leader known far and wide ; 
and in July, 1860, they made a tour to the 
East, inviting any military companies to com- 
pete with them for the colors won at the Fair. 
Their exhibitions were visited by immense 
assemblies of people. In the city of New 
York, the Academy of Music was filled to 
overflowing, to witness their marvellous move- 
ments, at one moment. 

In the last Presidential canvass, Ellsworth 
was a warm supporter of Lincoln, and aided 
the cause by his eloquent and stirring appeals 
in various parts of the State. During the 
session of the Legislature, he actively exerted 
himself to obtain the passage of a military 
bill which would put Illinois in a state of 
preparation; but in this he was defeated 
through the obtuseness of the "grave and 
reverend seigniors," who were blind to the 
coming storm, so clearly seen by him. At the 
request of the President elect, Ellsworth ac- 
companied him to Washington, and received 
a Lieutenant's commission, as a preliminary 
to his entrance into the War Department. 

When Sumter fell, Ellsworth felt that his 
time had come. He threw up his commission, 
and hastened to New York. A short inter- 
view with the Chief of the Fire Department 
settled all to his satisfaction. An appeal was 
made to the firemen, and in two days twelve 
hundred had enrolled their names. Ten com- 
panies were accepted, and at once proceeded 
to Fort Hamilton, to drill. For weeks the 
young soldier labored day and night at the 
herculean task of bringing his new regiment 
into discipline, but it was labor that he loved, 
and the jaded look which his countenance 
wore amid the chicanery and corruption of 
Washington, disappeared. New York became 
enthusiastic over Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves, 
over whom he had acquired perfect control. 
Three stands of colors were presented to 
them before their departure. On the 2d of 



62 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



May, Col. Ellsworth, at the head of his regi- 
ment, entered Washington, amid an ovation 
equalling that which had attended his depart- 
ure from New York. 

On the 22d, orders were issued for the 
regiment to prepare to march to Alexandria. 
The day following, the young soldier wrote 
two letters — one to her who was to be his wife, 
the other to his parents, in these touching and 
prophetic words : 

Head Quarters First Zouaves, \ 
Washington, May 23, 1861. ) 
Mr Dear Father and Mother: 

The Kegiment is ordered to move across the river 
to-night. We have no means of knowing what re- 
ception we are to meet with. I am inclined to the 
opinion that our entrance into Alexandria will be 
hotly contested, as I am just informed a large force 
was to have arrived there to-day. Should this 
happen, my dear parents, it may be my lot to be in- 
jured in some manner. Whatever may happen, cher- 
ish the consolation that I was engaged in the perform- 
ance of a sacred duty ; and to-night, thinking over 
the probabilities of the morrow and the occurrences of 
the past, I am perfectly willing to accept whatever 
my portion may be, confident that He who noteth 
even the fate of a sparrow, will have some purpose 
even in the fate of one like me. 

My darling and ever loved parents, good-bye. God 
bless, protect and comfort you. 

ELMER. 

Before the early dawn, on the 24th, Ells- 
worth's regiment reached Alexandria. The 
"Pawnee," lying in the stream, had already 
proposed terms of submission to the town, 
which the rebels had accepted, agreeing to 
evacuate the place. Learning this, and satis- 
fied that no resistance would be offered, Col. 
Ellsworth gave the necessary instructions to 
hife officers to interrupt railway communica- 
tion, and proceeded in person, at the head of 
a small detachment, to seize the telegraph 
office. On the way, he caught sight of a se- 
cession flag floating from the Marshall House, 
an inferior inn. Acting on the impulse of the 
moment, he entered with his party, and meet- 
ing a man, asked who placed the flag there. 
The person, who proved to be the proprietor, 
James T. Jackson, professed to know nothing 
about it, saying he was only a lodger. Ells- 
worth immediately cut down the flag, and was 
descending the stairs with it, when Jackson 
sprang forward and fired. Private T. Brow- 
nell, now Lieut. Brownell, U. S. A., who was 
in front of the Colonel, endeavored to strike 
up the weapon, but the rebel's grasp was too 
firm ; a slug entered Ellsworth's side, between 



the fourth and fifth ribs, driving into his very 
heart a gold circlet, with the legend, "Non 
nobis sed pro patria." Almost at the same in- 
stant, a ball from Brownell's rifle ended the 
murderer's career. The party made a litter 
of their muskets, and carried Ellsworth to the 
steamer, which immediately returned to the 
navy yard, Washington. From there, by « 
order of the President, his remains were re- 
moved to the East Room of the White House. 
There the funeral ceremonies took place, on 
the 25th of May, and amid the tolling of bells, 
his remains, followed by the President and hia 
Cabinet, and thousands of soldiers and spec- 
tators, were borne to the depot. The pro- 
gress of his lifeless remains attested the young 
martyr's popularity, and the hopes the coun- 
try had built upon his ability and energy. 
At New York, he lay in state, in the Governor's 
room, and an immense funeral procession 
threaded its way to the steamer that bore him 
to the home of his grief-stricken parents, 
where, amid the fury of a fierce rain storm, the 
hero was laid in the silent tomb. Thus passed 
away "poor Ellsworth! a fellow of genius 
and initiative," to quote the words of one 
who himself fell soon after, in the same glo- 
rious cause — the gallant Winthrop. Oh cursed 
spite of war, to silence such a genius — such 
a true man ! 

Col. Ellsworth's personal appearance is 
thus accurately described by one who knew 
him well and intimately: "His person was 
strikingly prepossessing. His form, though 
slight, was very compact and commanding ; 
the head statuesquely poised, and covered 
with a luxuriance of curling black hair; a 
hazel eye, bright though serene — the eye of a 
gentleman as well as a soldier; a nose such 
as you see on Roman medals ; a light mus- 
tache just shading the lips, that were contin- 
ually curling into the sunniest smiles. His 
voice, deep and musical, instantly attracted 
attention ; and his address, though not with- 
out soldierly brusqueness, was sincere and 
courteous." 

One who visited the parents and the grave of 
the young martyr, a few weeks after his death, 
writes : "A wayfaring man for the night at the 
rural and quiet little village of Mechanicsville, 
the first obj ect that attract ed my attention early 
in the morning, was the hoisting of the 'Stars 
and Stripes' on the brow of an opposite and 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



63 



neighboring hill. There rests the youthful 
and brave Ellsworth. At the foot of the hill- 
side, near by, is the cottage of his father and 
mother, surrounded by some loyely flowers 
and green shrubbery, more striking in their 
fragrance and beauties, from the freshness of 
a recent shower. Accompanied by an intel- 
ligent lady, an intimate friend of the parents, 
we made in the afternoon a visit to the afflicted 
home. It was a visit of not merely idle curi- 
osity, but of Christian sympathy to the mourn- 
ers in their deep affliction and bereavement. 
We were cordially welcomed. On the wall 
hung his sword, belt, and military cap, with 
his likeness; and beneath, upon a side-table, 
his pocket Bible — a new volume, and bound 
in blue velvet. We are Bible readers our- 
selves, and upon opening the precious pages, 
its silken index pointed to the seventeenth 
chapter of St. John, with a pencil X ^^ its 
top — most remarkable words : ' These words 
spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and 
said. Father, the hour is come ; glorify thy Son, 
that thy Son also may glorify Thee. . , . I 
have glorified Thee on the earth : I have finished 
the work which Thou gavest me to do. . . . 
And now I am no more in the world, and I came 
to Thee,' etc., etc. Remarkable words are 
these we again add. ' I know not,' said the 
mother, weeping, ' where this Bible came 
from ; but that may have been the last chap- 
ter of God's holy Word which Elmer ever read 
in this world !' The fourteenth chapter was 
also marked: ^Let not your heart be troubled: 
ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my 
Father's house are many mansions,' etc. Mys- 
terious coincidence between these gracious 



divin promises and the sudden call of the 
youthful warrior to the Spirit Land ! So it 
seemed to our minds. Both parents were 
present during our visit, and dwelt with 
weeping fondness upon the excellences of 
their departed son. Among his exalted vir- 
tues was pre-eminent the affection and devo- 
tion to his parents. To this they fondly re- 
ferred more than to anything else. He was 
an illustrious example of this noble Christian 
trait, and one alas ! alas ! wanting in some 
children of our day. From the dwelling, we 
visited the new-made grave of Ellsworth, in 
the beautiful rural cemetery of Mechanics- 
ville, and near by, directly in the rear of his 
parents' garden. No spot could be better se- 
lected for the purpose. It lies on the top of 
a hill, affording a magnificent prospect of 
hills and valleys, winding streams, distant 
villages, forests and cultivated fields. Singu- 
lar coincidence ! Stillwater with « Bemia 
Heights,' toward the north, are in plain sight. 
What associations ! A lofty pole and magnifi- 
cent National flag already marks the grave 
of Col. Ellsworth. When it was elevated, at 
sunrise, a day or two ago, a single visitor, 
who was a stranger from North Carolina, 
made his appearance, and requested that he 
might hoist the 'Stars and Stripes' on this 
honored mount : his patriotic wish was grant- 
ed, when he continued his journey toward his 
native State." 

A noble regiment, to which each county gave 
its quota, every village and hamlet of his na- 
tive State furnishing a man, and known as the 
"Ellsworth Avengers," was raised as his fittest, 
though not his only monument. 



64 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



ooL. ctjm:m:i]vo. 



Col. Gilbert W. Gumming, of the 51st 111. 
Volunteers, was born in Delaware county, in 
the State of New York, and is now forty-five 
years of age. His parents came from the 
Highlands of Scotland, where his father's 
family suffered severely for their loyal adher- 
ence to the house of Stuart, in 1745. At an 
early age he was anxious to enter the legal 
profession, but owing to family loss of prop- 
erty, was apprenticed to a carriage maker in 
his native town, and devoted all the spare 
hours of his apprenticeship to study. At the 
age of sixteen he enlisted in an independent 
military company, and gave such evidence of 
a military taste and capacity, that he was 
soon appointed to ofiice in his company, and 
by strict attention to his military duties and 
great perseverance in the acquirement of mili- 
tary knowledge, he rose to the command of a 
regiment, and afterwards received considera- 
ble military instruction from Major Le Brun, 
one of Napoleon's old officers. He was al- 
ways a great student, and a good education 
acquired by his own personal efforts, has made 
him a thoroughly self-made man. The pro- 
gress made in study while an apprentice, so 
far stimulated his early ideas of the legal pro- 
fession, that, soon after becoming of age, he 
commenced the study of the law, and after 
being licensed to practice soon became one 
of the leading lawyers of his county. In 
1846 the Anti-Rent troubles in the State of 
New York assumed the form of an armed re- 
sistance to the laws, and Sheriff Steele was 
basely murdered by an armed and disguised 
band of Anti-Renters, in Delaware county, 
while in the discharge of his official duties, 
which occasioned a rising of the Anti-Renters 
in Schohaire county, where Col. Curaming 
was then residing. He was thereupon or- 
dered out at the head of a regiment to main- 
tain the peace of the infected district, and by 
his skillful management of the forces under 
his command, and his judicious treatment of 
the Anti-Renters, soon restored the supremacy 
of the laws, and quelled that singular but 
dangerous rebellion in his county. In 1853, 
he removed with his family to Janesville, Wis., 
where for several years he had a large prac- 
tice, and stood high in his profession. In 1 858, 



he removed to Chicago, where his family still 
reside. Here he continued the practice of his 
profession until September, 1861, when he 
devoted his time, with success, to raising a 
regiment for the war, and was appointed 
Colonel of the regiment, the 51st Illinois Vol- 
unteers, by Gov. Yates, on the 20th of Sep- 
tember, 1861. In addition to this regiment, 
and to be attached to the same. Col. Cumming 
raised a battery of artillery and a company 
of cavalry. He was stationed at Camp Doug- 
las until February, 1862, when he was ordered 
with his regiment to Cairo. Finding the ex- 
tremely muddy and wet condition of his 
camp at Cairo was largely increasing his sick 
list, he obtained from Gen. CuUum — Gen. 
Halleck's chief of staff, then at Cairo — per- 
mission to remove his command to the Ken- 
tucky shore, opposite Cairo, which he named 
Camp Cullum. About this time, a scheming 
set of politicians in the Illinois Constitutional 
Convention, then in session at Springfield, in- 
serted a provision in the new Constitution to 
turn Gov. Yates out of office before the ex- 
piration of his term, and in furtherance of 
this object sought to arouse old political pre- 
judices against the Governor by addressing a 
resolution of the Convention to the Illinois 
officers in the field, inquiring whether their 
men were as well equipped as the soldiers 
from other States, and if not, whether the 
deficiency was owing to the fault of any of the 
Illinois State officers ? and thus induce re- 
plies from which they might manufacture ex- 
cuses for their intended slaughter of the 
Governor. One of the Convention circulars, 
containing this resolution, was sent to Col. 
Cumming, at Camp Cullum, who, indignant 
at such a base attempt to injure the highest 
officer in the State, whose patriotic labors 
were worthy of exalted praise, wrote to the 
Convention committee the following reply, 
which speaks for itself: 

Headquartees 51st Eeg't III. Vols. ) 
Camp Cullum, Ky., Cairo Dist., March 3, '62. j 
James W. Singleton, Esq. : 

Dear Sir: — I am in receipt of your circular, con- 
taining a copy of the resolution of the Illinois Con- 
stitutional Convention, requesting information con- 
cerning the equipments furnished the Illinois troops, 
etc., and am greatly surprised to find the Convention 
arrogating to itself powers which do not belong to it 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



65 



Tour Convention is only authorized to make a new 
Constitution tor the State, and according to all well 
settled rules of law, can have no power or authority 
whatever beyond that specific object. Why, then, 
the inquiry contained in the resolution? To what 
part of a new Constitution does it point? and how or 
in what manner can any provision of the Constitu- 
tion which the Convention is to make change or affect 
the equipments of the Illinois troops now in the field? 
The subject matter of the inquiry embraced in the 
resolution, clearly shows that the Convention is inter- 
meddling with matters that are really none of its 
business, and that, too, with the evident inten- 
tion of creating prejudice against the present State 
officers, and making political capital for members of 
the Convention. Such a course is unworthy of the 
high trust reposed in that important body, and the 
responsible duties it owes to the people, and ought 
impartially to perform. Illinois cannot be benefited 
by assumptions of power on the part of her constitu- 
tional delegates which can only stand as a record of 
shame and reproach in the history of the State. 
Such, I am constrained to say, are the peculiar charac- 
teristics of the communication addressed by you to 
me. The resolution is aimed at the present State offi- 
cers. If the Convention will take the trouble to as- 
certain the facts, they will find that the State had 
neither money nor credit when this war commenced, 
and yet, without these necessary aids at hand, the 
Governor has raised, armed, equipped and sent into 
the field over 70,000 men. If, as has sometimes been 
said, " A man is a fact," then Illinois has this large 
number of them, which will refute and forever si- 
lence the implied slander contained in this extra- 
judicial resolution of the Convention. You say you 
are instructed to request me to make such suggestions 
as my observation and experience may dictate, etc. 
I have so far acted upon this request, and in addition 
would respectfully suggest, that if the Convention 
will attend to its legitimate duties and business, it 
may gain the respect it has now lost, and be of some 
benefit to the State. In conclusion, and by way of 
avoiding a misinterpretation of my remarks, permit 
me to assure you that this answer to your circular is 
not induced by political friendship for the Governor 
of this Stat«. With him or his party I have no politi- 
cal afiBnities ; I belong to another school ; but during 
the war I have no politics but the Laws and Consti- 
tution of the United States. And yet I cannot, in 
justice to the Governor and the State he has honored 
by his unceasing labors for the common weal, with- 
hold this truthful tribute to his patriotism and suc- 
cessful efforts under such trying difficulties. I also 
feel justified in saying, that Illinois will look with 
pride and satisfaction upon her soldiers, raised, armed 
and equipped by her State officers in defence of the 
Union. 

I have the honor to be. very respectfully, your obe- 
dient servant. G. W. GUMMING, 

CoL Comd'g 51st Kegt.IU. Vol. 

This letter fell like a bombshell in the Con- 
vention, and was published with such mani- 
fest approval by the press throughout the 



State, that the constitutional wire-pullers were 
obliged to abandon their persecution of the 
Governor, and cover their retreat by passing 
resolutions highly complimentary to him and 
his war measures. 

On the 4th of March, Col. Cumming was 
ordered with his regiment to Bertrand, in 
Missouri, where he was placed in command 
of several regiments, and soon after was 
ordered with his brigade to New Madrid, 
where he joined the army of the Mississippi, 
under Maj. General Pope, and was there as- 
signed to the command of the 2d brigade in 
the division of Gen. Paine. On the 13th of 
March he was at the battle of New Madrid, 
at the head of his brigade, where he received 
the thanks of his superior ofl5cers for his 
coolness and the good conduct of himself, his 
officers and men, in that engagement. On 
the 7th of April, he was with his command at 
the taking of Island No. 10, and led his bri- 
gade in hot pursuit of the enemy from that 
place to Tiptonville, where, as part of Gen. 
Paine's division, he participated in the cap- 
ture of over six thousand of the rebels, in- 
cluding two general officers, several Colonels 
and regimental officers, with all their arms, 
equipments and stores. Gen. Pope here 
placed Col. Cumming in charge of these pris- 
oners, arms and stores, with directions to 
ship them, with suitable guards, to New Mad- 
rid. Having successfully accomplished this 
laborious task, he returned to New Madrid, 
where he received from Gen. Halleck the flat- 
tering order to have inscribed upon the colors 
of the regiments in his brigade, "New Madrid 
and Island No. 10." He next proceeded with 
his command to Fort Pillow, and was there 
engaged in the investment of that place, when 
he was ordered up the Tennessee to join Gen. 
Halleck before Corinth. 

From the battle of New Madrid to the evac- 
uation of Corinth, Col. Cumming's brigade 
was always in the advance, and in every fight 
and skirmish. 

Col. Cumming is very popular with his 
officers and men, always having an eye to their 
care and comfort. He is a strict disciplina- 
rian, is amply possessed of the qualities which 
make him a valuable officer, and has always 
received the approbation of his superiors. 



66 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



COL. HAXftHIS. 



Thomas Woolen Harris, Colonel of the 
54tli Regiment Illinois Volunteers, was born 
in Newport, Ky., June 28th, 1822, and is the 
oldest of ten children. He is of the old Revo- 
lutionary stock, his grandfather, Thomas Har- 
ris, having served through the long years of 
our struggle for independence. He married 
Miss Nancy Woolen, of Virginia, removing 
from Maryland to the then wilderness of the 
dark and bloody ground, and settled at Crab 
Orchard. Trained to hardships, and accus- 
tomed to danger, he here made his home, and 
saw his children growing up around him, amid 
the perils and struggles of border life. Ed- 
ward Harris, father of the Colonel, was born 
in Georgetown, to which place he removed 
and continued to reside for many years. 
The Colonel while a boy served an appren- 
ticeship at the carpenter trade, which he pur- 
sued until he reached the age of twenty-three 
years, when he turned his attention to milling. 
In 1848, he went to Indiana, and soon after- 
wards engaged in the mill business at New 
Philadelphia, purchasing the ground and 
founding the town of Harristown, Washington 
county. He held an important office under 
President Fillmore's administration, was Pres- 
ident of a Railroad, and in all county and 
State matters took an active interest. Owing 
to the failing health of his wife, unaccustomed 
to a northern climate, he visited the extreme 
southern States, and returning as far as 
Tremble county, Ky., engaged in merchan- 
dizing. Remaining but a short time, and at- 
tracted by the growing prosperity of Illinois, 
he removed to that State, and settled in Shel- 
byville, Shelby county, where he has since re- 
sided. Here he engaged extensively in mer- 
cantile business and land speculations, making 
valuable additions to the town. His resi- 
dence, recently erected, is a model of archi- 
tecture and convenience, and is one of the 
finest buildings in central Illinois. 

Col. Harris commenced his political career 
as a Whig, and continued a staunch supporter 
of that organization until its decease. When 
the lamented Douglas, taking issue with a cor- 
rupt administration, came home to proclaim 
his Territorial policy to the people of Illinois, 
by which he sought to avert the impending 



conflict of arms. Col. Harris became one of 
his most ardent supporters, and labored un- 
ceasingly upon the stump and in private cau- 
cus for the success of the policy which he had 
avowed. Elected to the Legislature in th* 
memorable campaign of 18G0, receiving the 
nomination over the most distinguished mem- 
bers of the Democratic party in the counties 
of Shelby and Cumberland, a district noted 
for its eminent talent, and running against an 
opponent whose ability and personal qualities 
had made deservedly popular, he carried the 
district by over 1,200 majority, an increase 
over former Democratic majorities of nearly 
100 per cent. 

In the Legislature, his active interest in all 
that concerned the welfare of the State, and 
his superior business qualifications, soon made 
him a prominent actor in all important mat- 
ters of legislation. He was on several im- 
portant committees, among which were those 
of Finance and Education. Through his ex- 
ertions mainly, the State became an interested 
party in the State Normal University, and 
this noble monument of the growing interest 
of the people in the cause of education placed 
upon a sure and solid foundation. To Col. 
Harris belongs the honor of having introduced 
the first bill for founding an Agricultural Col- 
lege, standing at first almost alone in its sup- 
port. Afterwards he had the satisfaction of 
seeing this measure adopted by the State, and 
to the agricultural portions of the community 
secured the invaluable aid which such an in- 
stitution must in time afford. The journal of 
the House will show that he never occupied 
the time of the House with long speeches, but 
on the stump and before the people gave free 
and full expression to his opinions upon pub- 
lic affairs. In the House he appeared as the 
representative of the people, legislating for 
the good of all, and not as the partizan seek- 
ing alone party ends. This is evidenced from 
the fact that, although politically the majority 
of the House was against him, he never in- 
troduced a bill that failed to pass. Few men 
can show such brilliant success as a legislator, 
or such a record of usefulness in one legisla- 
tive session. 

When events in their rapid succession showed 




- ^ ■ in 



COL. HARRIS. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



67 



that Souiliern traitors were determined to rule 
or ruin the glorious government under whose 
fostering care they had been reared, educated 
and honored, Col. Harris rallied immediately 
beneath the Hag of the Union, and recognizing 
the truth of the declaration of the patriot 
Douglas, that there could be but two parties 
in the country during the war, — patriots and 
traitors, — gave to the Government his hearty 
and unqualified support, encouraging enlist- 
ments, denouncing the authors of the rebel- 
lion, cheering Avith words of comfort and ma- 
terial aid those who for a time must be left 
■without a protector, he gave his whole soul to 
the cause of his country. As soon as the 
complicated affairs of his extensive business 
could be arranged, and he obtained a release 
from his legislative duties, be drew the sword 
in the cause, and gathered around him the young 
men of the central portion of the State. He 
became identified with the scheme of organiz- 
ing the "Kentucky Brigade," an order for 
which had been issued by the War Department, 
but through neglect seemed about to fail. 
Through his exertions, assisted by Col. Mc- 
Carty, of Douglas county, the State was ena- 
bled to put four fine regiments in the field, at 
a time when recruiting was most difiicult. 

Commissioned Colonel of the first regiment 
filled, he immediately reported at Cairo, where 
he remained but a short time, from thence be- 
ing ordered with his command to Columbus, 
Ky. Although suffering from a severe dis- 
ease, caused by over-exertion, — being confined 
for days to his bed during the organization of 
his regiment, — he assumed command of this im- 
portant post. His regiment was here assigned 
the laborious task of throwing up new works, 
opening magazines, and turning the old bas- 
tion, over which the enemy's guns had dealt 
their terrible showers of projectiles upon our 
forces, on the bloody field of Belmont, and 
threatened our iron-clad fleet, so as to com- 
mand the river below. While these fortifica- 
tions are evidences of the earnestness and de- 
termination with which the rebels are carrying 
on the war, they tell no loss of patience and 
patriotism of the brave men who labored so 
uncomplainingly through the long hot months 
of spring and summer at this tame and ag- 
gravating employment, while their brothers 
in arms were winning laurels upon the battle- 
fields of Tennessee and Arkansas. 



Failing rapidly in strength, repeatedly 
warned of the danger he was in, in remaining 
at his post, it was only when confined to his 
bed that Col. Harris could be induced to ac- 
cept a leave of absence from his command, 
and seek in a more congenial climate, where 
he could secure the advice of eminent medical 
talent, that health which was denied him on 
the banks of the Mississippi. After an ab- 
sence of several weeks, he returned to his 
regiment, with his health partially restored, 
and at once took command and pushed for- 
ward the work on the bluffs. 

The Tennessee river becoming dangerous 
for the transportation of military supplies, 
the government repaired and opened to travel 
the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, as far south as 
Corinth, the northern terminus being at Co- 
lumbus. To Col. Harris was entrusted the 
task of repairing bridges, erecting block- 
houses, and guarding the road as far south as 
the Big Obion river, in Tennessee. Several 
fine block-houses have been erected, and al- 
though his camps rarely pass a night without 
an alarm, the travel upon this section of the 
road has been uninterrupted. 

The Colonel makes his headquarters at 
Union City, Tenn., from whence he is con- 
tinually sending out scouting expeditions to 
disperse and destroy the rebel bands who are 
continually ravaging the country between the 
railroad and the Hatchie river. Overtaking 
one of these parties, numbering full 400, ia, 
a recent expedition, at Merryweather's ferry, 
on the Obion, the Colonel, with 42 men from 
Co. C, 2d Illinois Cavalry, completely routed 
them, killing 38, and taking 13 prisoners, and 
between 40 and 50 horses, with a loss of two 
ofiicers, Lieuts. Terry and Goodheart, and one 
private on our side. This skirmish complete- 
ly cleared the country between the Mississippi 
and Obion rivers, which had long been infest- 
ed by rebel bands, who have driven the Union 
citizens from their homes, and destroyed their 
property. The Colonel is now in the prime 
of life, and has regained his lost health. In 
the saddle almost continually for days at a 
time, Illinois has not in the field an officer 
more devoted to his country, or more ener- 
getic in maintaining the integrity of its flag. 

Col. Harris is entirely a self-made man, and 
pursues with untiring energy whatever he 
undertakes. Always taking an active interest 
in all that concerns the welfare of society or 
the State, he has long made it a rule of hig 
life to distribute one-third of his net annual 
earnings for the benefit of public improve*- 
ments and private charities. 



68 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



OOL. OSBORIV. 



Thomas 0. Osborn, Colonel of the 39th 
Regiment Illinois Volunteers, was born Au- 
gust 11th, 1832, in Jersey, Licking county, 
Ohio. After preparatory studies in the schools 
of his native town, he entered the Ohio Uni- 
versity, where he graduated with honor in 
1854. After leaving college, he commenced 
the study of law with Lewis Wallace (now 
Major General Wallace) at Crawfordsville, 
Ind. On being admitted to practice, he re- 
moved to Chicago in the fall of 1867. 

At the very commencement of the present 
rebellion, when the first gun fired at Fort 
Sumpter sent a thrill through the hearts of 
the nation, he was among the foremost in the 
proffer of his services to Government; and, 
throwing aside business, he devoted his time 
and means to the organization of a regiment, 
which was soon accomplished and offered to 
the Secretary of War, but its acceptance was 
delayed until July, and was not mustered into 
the service of the U. S. until Aug. 5th, 1861. 

The regiment remained in camp at Chicago 
until October 13th, when it was sent to Ben- 
ton barracks, St. Louis, Mo. It was then 
sent to Williamsport, Md., to form a portion 
of Ward Lamon's brigade. It was here that 
a vacancy occurred in the colonelcy, and Col. 
Osborn, who was then filling the position of 
Lieut. Col., with honor to himself and the 
regiment, was promoted to fill it. 

After his accession to this oflSce, he evinced 
that commendable zeal in study and in the 
welfare of his men, together with that patriot- 
ism and valor which has not only made him 
the true and efficient officer that he has proved 
himself, but which has insured the respect, 
confidence and love of his whole command. 

At the time Jackson made his first raid 
into Morgan county, Va., Colonel Osborn, 
with his command, was stationed at Alpine 
station, with a force not exceeding 800 effec- 
tive men, with a section of battery, to guard 



the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad between Al- 
pine and Great Cacapon. Jackson, at the 
time, had a force numerically estimated at 
15,000, with 30 pieces of artillery. This 
whole force he succeeded in keeping at bay 
for the space of twenty-four hours, and then 
made good his retreat across the Potomac 
river, under fire of the enemy, with the loss 
of one man drowned and fourteen taken pris- 
oners. His conduct while stationed along 
this line of road was such as to call forth 
from the late Gen. Lander the warmest praise 
and confidence, and he was at once entrusted 
with the charge of constructing and defending 
the road to Martinsburg. 

At the battle of Winchester, April 23, 1862, 
his regiment occupied a position on the left 
wing, being ordered with two companies of 
the 8th Ohio to support a section of battery, 
and were for several hours exposed to a gall- 
ing fire. After lying upon their arms during 
the night succeeding the battle, they took the 
lead at daybreak in the pursuit of the enemy, 
which was maintained until reaching Stras- 
burg. 

Col. Osborn has participated in every move 
that has been made in the Valley under Gen. 
Shields — crossing the Mussanutten mountain, 
his command for a time was engaged in pro- 
tecting the bridges over the Shenandoah river 
— then, with the division, they performed the 
march to Fredericksburg, and to take a forced 
march back again to the support of General 
Banks. 

During the seven days' fight before Rich- 
mond, two brigades of Shields' division were 
ordered to join McClellan. Col. Osborn was 
then in command of one of these; they reach- 
ed Harrison's Landing in time to perform 
efficient service during the retreat from Mal- 
vern Hill. He is now stationed with his regi- 
ment at Fortress Monroe, Virginia. 




^%1 



COL. OSBOBN. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



69 



GtE]V. TXJRCHIP»f. 



John B. Turchin was born in the valley 
of the Don, near the Black Sea, Jan. 18th, 
1822. At fourteen years of age he was put 
into the Military School at St. Petersburg, and 
went through the thorough course required 
by the great academy, and was made a Lieu- 
tenant in the Russian army, where he re- 
mained until he was promoted to a Captaincy, 
when, being selected as one of the '^Etat'' Major 
Staff, he was again sent to the School, where, 
during three years' study, he perfected him- 
self in all branches of the military art — 
Cavalry, Infantry, Artillery and Engineering. 
He graduated with honor, and on the opening 
of the Crimean war with England and France, 
was made the First Assistant of the Chief of 
the Grand Duke — the present Emperor — a 
position corresponding in our service to the 
First Assistant Adjutant General to a Com- 
mander of Division — in which he did good 
service. The plan of defence of the coast of 
Finland was prepared by him, and cordially 
adopted by the highest military authority of 
the empire. After the war, having imbibed 
Democratic notions, and being thoroughly 
disgusted thereby with the Russian govern- 
ment and the tyranny of the army, he obtained 
a year's furlough for the purpose of visiting 
Germany. When there he determined to make 
his way to America, and accordingly came to 
this country in 1856. Soon after his arrival 
he was employed in the Engineer Department 
of the Illinois Central R. R. Co., where he won 
the esteem and admiration of all who had oc- 
casion to become acquainted with his extensive 
acquirements. 

In July, 1861, he was appointed by Gov. 
Yates to the Colonelcy of the 19th Regiment, 
and at once took command and proceeded to 
Palmyra, Mo. Since that time Col. Turchin 
has been constantly with his regiment in 
Missouri and Kentucky, and recently in Ala- 
bama, where he took an active part in the 
capture of Huntsville,Tuscumbia and Decatur. 
Out of the long list of Brigadier Generals, 
whose nominations were not acted upon by 
the Senate two days before the close of the 
Session in July, 1862, exceptions were made 
of two names, which were confirmed. One of 
these was John B. Turchin, as skillful and 



brave a soldier as Illinois has sent into the 
field — a General who believes in making war 
as war should be made. To this peculiarity 
and to the persecution which he endured from 
others who lacked his faith, his promotion is 
chiefly due. 

Early in July, Gen. (then Col.) Turchin 
was court-martialed on the following charges, 
preferred against him by C. C. Gilbert, Capt. 
1st Infantry, acting Inspector General: 

Charge 1st. — Neglect of duty. 
Charge Id. — Conduct unbecoming an officer 
and gentleman. 

Charge M. — Disobedience of orders. 

The specifications in the first charge set 
forth minutely each act committed by the sol- 
(jiery — pillaging houses, plundering stores, 
forcing trunks, iron safes and wardrobes, de- 
stroying thousands of dollars in notes of hand, 
burning goods, carrying ofi" silver plate and 
jewelry, watches and money, and last of all, 
committing an indecent outrage on the per- 
sons of two servant girls. The second charge 
specifies that Col. Turchin was cognizant of 
these outrages, and failed to enforce his au- 
thority to prevent them, and also contracted 
debts and refused to liquidate them. The 
third and last charge embraces in its specifi- 
cation that the Colonel disobeyed a special or- 
der from headquarters in allowing the village 
to be plundered. To the charges and speci- 
fications Col. Turchin, with one exception, 
entered the plea of " not guilty." 

The members of the court, which convened 
at Huntsville, Ala., were Brig. Gen. Garfield, 
Ohio, commanding the 20th brigade, presi- 
dent ; Col. (now General) Ammen, 24th Ohio, 
and commanding the 10th brigade ; Col. Bea- 
ty, 3d Ohio; Col. Jones, 42d Indiana; Col. 
Sedgwick, 2d Kentucky; Col, Pope, 15th 
Kentucky ; Col. Mundy, 23d Kentucky. Capt. 
Swayne, U. S. Infantry, was attached to the 
court as Judge Advocate. 

The witnesses brought to sustain the char- 
ges were parties suspected of disloyalty, and 
Col. Turchin, who bore himself with the most 
commendable dignity, in cross-examining 
them, merely asked the one question : "Are 
you a loyal man ?" which question was disal- 
lowed by the Judge Advocate. 



70 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



Col. Turchin addressed the court, detailing 
his operations while in command — all of which 
resulted successfully for the cause of the 
Union, and none of which were outside the 
strict line of military duty. He had brought 
to bear his military knowledge acquired in 
European campaigns, and, owing to the igno- 
rance of our soldiers, had taken upon him- 
self the duties of subordinates, that his plans 
might not fail. 

"I was charged," said he, "with taking 
and keeping at my quarters a mulatto boy 
named Joe, belonging to Mr. Vasser, a resi- 
dent of Athens. I proved by the witness, 
that, having used him in scouting expeditions, 
and for obtaining valuable information about 
the enemy, I gave him, in accordance with the 
orders of Gen. Mitchell, protection inside of 
our lines. Gen. Mitchell's policy with regard 
to negroes (sanctioned, probably, by higher 
authority), consisted in using them for mili- 
tary purposes, and giving them protection for 
valuable services. I consider this eminently 
proper. If we had war with England, and 
sent an expedition to attack that country, we 
would land our forces in Ireland, because we 
know that the people of Ireland hate their 
oppressors — the English — and would readily 
join us. For a similar reason Garibaldi, be- 
fore he moved on Naples, invaded Sicily. We 
invade the southern States, where, with few 
exceptions, the white population is against 
us, and from them we can get no information 
concerning the enemy. In our hearts we 
know that our only friends here are negroes ; 
but, imbued with prejudice, we are ashamed 
manfully to acknowledge it. As a matter of 
necessity, we use negroes for our purposes — 
they communicating with us readily about 
their masters, and about the movements ^f 
the enemy; and, after thus putting them in a 
position hostile to the mass of the white pop- 
ulation of the South, we basely and meanly 
surrender them to their enemies. 

" Our policy vacillates. One General gives 
them a temporary protection, promising them 
freedom ; another, superseding the first, drives 
them out of the lines, leaving them to the 
mercy of their owners, who, looking upon 
them as their mortal enemies, hang them the 
first convenient opportunity. When I re- 
treated from Tuscumbia, I heard, and I have 
conclusive reasons to believe it true, that there 
were four or five negroes hung on the follow- 
ing day, because they had given us some val- 
uable information. Humanity, for permitting 
this great wrong, cries out against it." 

The Colonel then enumerated the numerous 
advantages derived by the rebels from their 
slaves, and the many important uses which 
our army might make of them — among others, 
forming them into regiments, drilled, armed 



and equipped, to guard the country over which 
we have passed, and keep open communica- 
tion with our rear. 

He complained that the testimony of dis- 
loyal men should be placed on record to blast 
the fair fame of himself and his troops, and 
continued his address as follows : 

" I have everywhere in Missouri, in Ken- 
tucky, in Tennessee, and in Alabama, been 
hated by secessionists, and I consider it my 
best recommendation as a loyal officer; but I 
defy any one to find a single Union man, who 
has been in connection with me, that will make 
a complaint against me. 

" The more lenient we are with secession- 
ists, the more insolent they become; and if 
we do not prosecute this war with vigor, us- 
ing all the means that we can bring to bear 
against the enemy, including the emancipa- 
tion of slaves, the ruin of this country is in- 
evitable. 

" The problem before us ia grand. Univer- 
sal freedom is at stake ; and I feel humiliated 
when I think that this hitherto considered 
great and generous people may show the 
world their incapacity to master the present 
difficulties, and enjoy the blessings of self- 
government." 

Then, turning to the members of the court, 
and speaking as if he were a teacher addres- 
sing his pupils, instead of an accused man 
pleading before his judges, he thus concluded : 

" I have pointed out some defects in our 
army organization, and proposed some im- 
provements therein, and if the members of 
this court will notice those points, and will 
present them to the higher authorities for 
consideration, I will feel happy in thinking 
that this court-martial may not have been 
held altogether in vain." 

This conclusion, in its severe simplicity, I 
cannot but regard as beautiful. The last 
thought of the gallant soldier, instead of taking 
the form of a passionate peroration to move 
the judges in his favor, is directed to the good 
of the service, and the benefit of his adopted 
country. He was found guilty by the court, 
but its decision was annulled by his appoint- 
ment as a Brigadier General after the court 
had been organized. 

On his arrival in Chicago, on the evening 
of August 19th, he was received with a splen- 
did ovation, at Bryan Hall, on which occasion 
he made the following brief and manly ad- 
dress : 

Fellow Citizens of Chicago: — When I left this 
city with my regiment, I never expected to 
receive such a reception as this. / have simp- 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



Tl 



ly done my duty ; that's all I have done. (En- 
thusiastic applause). I did my duty as a sol- 
dier, and I trust as an American citizen also. 
(Applause). Although I am not versed in 
politics, I made my mind up that the cause of 
this rebellion was slavery, and I acted upon 
the principle that the cause should be removed. 
(Long continued applause). At the same 
time, I know also that the same men who were 
relying upon the power of slavery must not 
be handled with soft gloves, but a little rough- 
ly, and so I handled them a little roughly. 
(Applause). I don't know whether to call it 
a happy or an unhappy result that my supe- 
rior officer did not approve of it, and thought 
differently. He thought that I must be court- 
martialed and dismissed from the service. 
(Groans and hisses for Don Carlos Buell, and 
cries "You shall go back. General.") My 
wife informs me that she has a commission, 
making me a Brigadier General, in her pocket, 
but I haven't got it, and haven't seen it. (Ap- 
plause, and three cheers for Madame Turchin). 

As much as I rejoice to see this kind, and I 
may say great reception, it would be more 
pleasant to have my poor boys of the 19th 
with me — now strung along that railroad. 
(Cries, "Shame, shame.") They are punished 
for me, and as you sympathize with me, I 
want you to sympathize with them. There 
are five regiments at Huntsville : the 1st Wis- 
consin at Morris, another at Athens, another 
at Pulaski, and several at Columbia, all upon 
or contiguous to this line of railroad. It 
would seem as if there might be sent from 
each of these one or two companies to guard 
this road. They would not feel it. But, no ! 
Our boys are posted in squads of fifteen or 
twenty for eighty miles. It is low minded ; 
it is contemptible. I cannot but feel the great- 
est contempt for a man, who, at the head of a 
powerful army, will behave thus towards sol- 
diers. I do not care for myself, but it is a 
shame to punish my men. 

I have studied secession and secessionists in 
Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama, 
and I tell you it is of no use to fight against 
them unless we use every means in our power. 
They are too powerful to be fought otherwise. 

Who are these guerrillas ? They are citizens 



who pretend to be peaceful, but who are plot- 
ting treason all the time. They are all the 
time looking out for a straggling Yankee. As 
soon as he finds one, he gets two neighbors ; 
they take their shot guns, go out and catch 
him. They look out for pickets, and shoot 
them. You know how they murdered Gen. 
McCook. That is what I call a war of exter- 
mination. We must do the same ; and until 
we use all men, slaves included, we cannot 
put them down. (Applause). 

What I have done is not much ; but what I 
could do, were I allowed, might amount to 
something. My friends, I must close. We 
have been talking about the Union a great 
while. Let us now talk and hurrah for con- 
quest. (Applause). 

The General closed amidst long continued 
cheering, which was twice and thrice renewed 
as the commission was exhibited to the au- 
dience, appointing Col. Turchin a Brigadier 
General, and setting aside the verdict of the 
court-martial. 

The General was married in 1852, and his 
wife, also a native of Russia, accompanied 
him throughout all his campaigns in Missouri, 
Kentucky and Alabama, as she did during the 
war of the Crimea, with the utmost fortitude, 
enduring all the hardships incident to a sol- 
dier's life. To ride on horseback forty or 
fifty miles per day was to her a mere matter 
of amusement; and in the march of the 19th 
Illinois from Winchester to Bellefonte, she 
took command of the vanguard, and gave 
most vigorous and valuable directions for 
driviii;^ off and punishing the infamous bush- 
whack<;rs who infested the road. These and 
similar things had so much excited the ad- 
miration of Gen. Turchin's men, that they 
would have followed his gallant wife into the 
field of battle with all the enthusiasm that 
fired the hearts of the French when gathered 
around the standard of the Maid of Orleans. 



72 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



COL. CXJSHMlAPf. 



William H. W. Cushman was born at Free- 
town, Mass., May 13, 1813. He is a lineal 
descendant, of the eighth generation, of Rob- 
ert Cushman, one of the Pilgrim Colonists 
who left England to escape the exactions of 
the Established Church, and to secure entire 
"freedom to worship God." His father, Hon. 
Hercules Cushman, was a lawyer, and a man 
of respectability, who graduated at Dart- 
mouth College, from which he received the 
degree of A.M. He represented the town 
of Middleton in the Legislature of Massachu- 
setts in the years 1811 and 1812, and Free- 
town in the years 1817 and 1819. In 1827 
and 1828 he was a member of the Governor's 
Council of Massachusetts, for British county, 
and was a Colonel in the militia for six years, 
from 1822 to 1827 inclusive. His mother was 
the daughter of Gen. Abdiel Washburn, of 
Plymouth county, Mass. At the age of eleven 
he was sent to the American Literary, Scien- 
tific and Military Academy, at Norwich, Vt., 
then under the charge of Capt. Alden Part- 
ridge, the founder of that institution. He 
remained there some two years, made good 
progress in his studies, and received an hon- 
orable discharge. 

In speaking of his early education, in a 
letter written a few years since to a friend, 
he remarks: "My father had a notion to 
make a man of me, and kept me at school all 
the time from ten to sixteen years of age, 
when my health failed, and from necessity I 
was obliged to disappoint him. If I had been 
kept at home till my mind was more mature, 
and had not been overburdened till disgusted 
with books, perhaps his plans would have 
been successful, though I have my doubts." 
His father undoubtedly designed to give him 
a collegiate education, and have him follow 
the legal profession. 

Being of an active temperament, he com- 
menced the mercantile business at Middleton, 
in the year 1831, at the age of eighteen, and 
did a very good and extensive business. In 
1832, he was commissioned by Gov. Lincoln, 
of Massachusetts, Adjutant in the 4th Regi- 
ment, 5th Division, of the Massachusetts Mili- 
tia, and received his discharge 21st February, 
1834. He removed to Ottawa, La Salle coun- 



ty, 111., in October of the same year, and 
continued the business of merchandizing. He 
has now resided in Ottawa about twenty- eight 
years, and has become one of the "Old Set- 
tlers" of the wealthy and populous county of 
La Salle. During the whole time he has been 
extensively and profitably engaged in trade 
and as manufacturer and banker, and is now 
among the most wealthy men in Northern Illi- 
nois. 

In 1842, the completion of the Illinois and 
Michigan Canal was considered of much im- 
portance in his section of the State, and as he 
had a peculiar faculty of arranging and suc- 
cessfully carrying out financial operations, 
he was elected to the House of Representa- 
tives of the State, for the term of two years, 
and in 1844 was again elected by his constitu- 
ents to the same oflBce. The result of his la- 
bors in the Legislature shows that the people 
were wise in their choice. 

He was a candidate of the Democratic party 
in 1856 for the State Senate, but the district 
being largely Republican, he was defeated, 
though his vote exceeded the vote of his 
party, owing to his personal popularity. 
In the Presidential contest of 1860, he was 
one of the electors at large on the Democratic 
ticket, and was earnest and efficient in his 
advocacy of the claims of Mr. Douglas. He 
has filled several important county offices, 
particularly those of a financial character, 
and has always been faithful to his trusts. 

It seems that his early military education 
has not been forgotten, but has been turned 
to good account. On the 24th day of June, 
1847, he was commissioned by Gov. French, 
" Captain of the Ottawa Cavalry, 14th Odd 
Battalion," which office he held until Sep- 
tember, 1861, when he was appointed by Gov. 
Yates to the command, as Colonel, of the 53d 
Regiment Illinois Volunteers. 

The chief qualities of his mind, which have 
led to his remarkable success in life, are ac- 
tivity, integrity and good judgment. ^^ Omnia 
vincit labcyr" is his maxim, and most faithfully 
has he adhered to it. The result in his case 
is very obvious, and may be easily stated. 
He has much wealth, many and ardent friends, 
and a most excellent reputation. The perfect 




C L. C ir S H M A N. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. ■' 73 

integrity and uprightness of his life have the field. With him party considerations were 

given him the entire confidence of the com- forgotten when he saw his country in danger 

munity in which he resides. During the pe- of being overthrown by its enemies, 

riod of his residence in Illinois, and with a As soon as his regiment was organized, he 

widely extended business, he has seldom had was ordered to Camp Douglas, where he was 

any difficulty or controversies which he could stationed until April, 1862, and then directed 

not harmonize to the satisfaction of all. He to repair to the field of active operations in 

avoids lawsuits as he would the plague, and Tennessee. Arriving there late, he did not 

seldom finds it necessary to resort to courts of participate in the battle of Shiloh, but since 

justice to adjust his business matters with then he and his command have been continu- 

others. As a financial manager he has ac- ally on duty — sharing the hardships and per- 

quired a high reputation in the State of his ils of the campaign, under Generals Halleck 

adoption, and has by his talents and ability andGrant, in the heart of the enemy's country, 

greatly aided in the business enterprises of From the character of the man, as devel- 

the community. One great source of his pe- oped in a long and successful life, it cannot 

cuniary prosperity may be found in the fact be doubted that he will justify the confidence 

that he has never entered into speculations, reposed in him by the country, and when an 

but has attended strictly to a regular, legiti- opportunity is presented, will distinguish him- 

mate business. While he has thus been self as an able and courageous military leader, 

blessed in his "granary and his store," he The only drawback to such expectations is 

has not forgotten those less fortunate than found in the fact that for some years his 

himself. He has always been ready to assist health has been impaired, and may not be 

those who are willing to help themselves, and found equal to the exposures of camp life and 

none who deserve success have applied to him the labors of his position. In person. Col. 

for aid in vain. He is a liberal and cheerful Cushman is thin and spare, of medium height, 

giver, and benevolent and christian enterprises very erect, with deep set black eyes, and reg- 

have always found in him a friend. ular features. To a stranger, he wears an 

In his political principles, he is (as most of air of reserve, but to his friends he is genial 

his family relations are) an " old-fashioned and even playful in his temper. His friend- 

Jefi"er8on Democrat," and yet he is tolerant ships are of an enduring character, and when 

and liberal in his feelings and conduct to- once formed, it is no ordinary event that will 

wards those who differ with him on political disturb them. He has been married three 

questions. times. His present wife is the daughter of 

Aside from the distinguished features of his Hon. Caesar Rodney, of the State of Delaware, 

character alluded to, his love of country is The limits of this sketch permit but a brief 

an abiding principle which animates and con- glance at the leading characteristics of Col. 

trols his public conduct. Differing as he does Cushman. Were a more detailed narrative 

in political sentiments with the present Ad- allowable, it might be shown that he possesses 

ministration, he was prepared from the mo- in a remarkable degree those traits which 

ment the signal gun of the rebellion was distinguish the New England Puritan race to 

fired, to devote himself to the service of his which he belongs, and which have made their 

country, and yielding to its call, he took com- impress upon the institutions of the country, 
mand of his regiment, and with it is now in 



74 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



COL. POST. 



Col. P. Sidney Post, of the 59th Regiment 
Illinois Volunteers, was born in the village of 
Florida, Orange county, N. Y., in 1833. He 
graduated at Union College, Schenectady, N. 
Y., in 1855, and immediately entered the law 
school at Poughkeepsie. While at the law 
school, his father. Gen. Peter Schuyler Post 
(a soldier of 1812) removed with his family to 
Galesburg, 111., to which place Col. Post fol- 
lowed when admitted to the bar. 

In the spring of 1857, he took up his resi- 
dence in Wyandotte, Kansas, and commenced 
the practice of law, with marked success. 
Feeling the power which a newspaper exerts 
in a new and rapidly-advancing country, he 
purchased a printing office, and established the 
Wyandotte Argus, of which he finally assumed 
editorial control. He continued his double 
profession of lawyer and editor, and for a time 
holding the position of Probate Judge, until 
summoned to Illinois by the dangerous and 
fatal illness of his father, in the spring of 1861. 

When the storm of war at last broke upon 
the country, he entered the service of the 
United States as 2d Lieutenant of a company 
raised in Knox county. The Government re- 
fused at that time to receive any more troops 
from Illinois, and this company was mustered 
into the 9th Regiment Missouri Volunteers, 
and afterwards changed, by order of the War 
Department, to the 59th Regiment Illinois 
Volunteers, the soldiers all being citizens of 
this State. 

When the regiment was organized, J. C. 
Kelton, Assistant Adjutant General of the De- 
partment of the Mississippi, was appointed 
Colonel, and Col. Post, Adjutant. In January, 
1862, the Majorship became vacant, and the 
Adjutant was made Major, and immediately 
took command of the regiment, on the mid- 
winter march across Missouri, to join Gen. 
Curtis at Lebanon. He was with the army of 



the Southwest during the series of exciting 
and rapid marches which culminated in fight- 
ing the bloody battle of Pea Ridge. During 
the hottest of the engagement, Maj. Post was 
shot through the shoulder, bnt persistently re- 
fused to leave the field until utterly helpless 
from loss of blood. When the news of the 
battle of Pea Ridge reached Col. Kelton, who 
had been detached on Gen. Halleck's staflF, he 
refused longer to retain his position, and re- 
signed in favor of Col. Post, who was recom- 
mended by the officers of the regiment. 

During eight months' active service in the 
field, Col. Post had not been oflF duty a single 
day, until disabled by wounds received in bat- 
tle, and had won the Colonelcy with the con- 
currence of the officers of the regiment, though 
one of the youngest among them. 

As soon as recovered sufficiently to be able 
to ride, he rejoined his regiment, then on its 
way to the expected scene of conflict, Corinth, 
Miss., and was assigned to the command of a 
brigade, which he marched into the entrench- 
ments in front of that place, four days before 
its evacuation. 

As an officer. Col. Post is of a dashing and 
energetic character. He is one of the young- 
est Colonels in the service, but owes his posi- 
tion solely to his merit as a brave and skillful 
officer, tried in the active duties of the field, 
and his officers and men alike have the utmost 
confidence in, and are thoroughly devoted to 
him. There is, perhaps, no other instance in 
this or any other war, of a man rising from 
the position of an officer of the lowest grade, 
to the command of a brigade, in the short 
space of ten months. Col. Post undoubtedly 
owes his rapid promotion as much to his per- 
sonal qualities as a man of ability and honor, 
as to his well-known skill as a tactician and 
his gallantry in the field. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



75 



COL. HALL. 



Col. Cyrus Hall was born in Fayette coun- 
ty, Illinois, August 29, 1822. His parents 
emigrated from Christian county, Kentucky, 
in 1819. His father dying in December, 1836, 
at the age of only fourteen he was left to 
manage his mother's business affairs, and did 
so successfully several years. In May, 1846, 
at the breaking out of the Mexican war, he 
volunteered in a company raised by Capt. 
Ferris Forman, at Vandalia, 111. The regi- 
ment rendezvoused at Alton, 111., and elected 
Capt. Ferris Forman, Colonel. It was desig- 
nated as the 3d Regiment Illinois Volunteers. 
Mr. Hall was urged to accept the Captaincy 
of the company, but being inexperienced in 
military matters, declined doing so. He was 
chosen Orderly Sergeant, and served as such 
three months, when he was elected First Lieu- 
tenant, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the 
resignation of James T. B. Stappe, in his 
company, A. In this capacity he served 
through the campaign, or up to Jalappa, 
where the term of service for which the regi- 
ment enlisted being so near ending, Gen. 
Scott ordered the 3d back to New Orleans, to 
be mustered out of the United States service. 
Lieut. Hall was in two engagements — at the 
memorable battle of Cerro Gordo and the 
taking of Vera Crua. He shared in the gal- 
lant charge led by the lamented Col. Baker, 
of the 4th Illinois Infantry. In a communi- 
cation to the author, Lieut. Hall thus de- 
scribes the capture of Vera Cruz : 

" But the most magnificent sight that I ever 
beheld, was the bombardment of Vera Cruz 
by the American forces. From the time our 
army first landed until the surrender of the 
city, heavy details were constantly at work 
placing 64-pounders in position in the sand 
hills upon our line of investment. We would 
cut a niche in the sand hills, place three of 
those huge guns in position during the night, 
and at early dawn the brush would be cleared 
away ; and the battery, being well manned 
from the men-of-war, would open out in 
magnificent style. But the most sublime 
spectacle was to watch the flight of the huge 
shells, thrown after night, from our batteries, 
and from the men-of-war outside the harbor, 
at the devoted city. Like fiery comets sent 
on errands of destruction, they coursed their 
angry way, shrieking and hissing through the 
air ; and woe to the domicile, church or pal- 
ace where their fiery course ended !" 



Lieut. Hall was married in 1848, and settled 
upon the farm purchased by him before the 
war occurred, where he remained for seven 
years, engaged in farming and dealing in 
stock. His health then failing, he removed 
to Shelby ville. 111., where he opened and con- 
ducted a hotel until the downfall of Fort 
Sumter, when he proceeded to raise a compa- 
ny of volunteers for the war. April 22d, he 
reported a full company, and was ordered to 
rendezvous at Jacksonville, on May 11th, by 
Gov. Yates, The regiment was organized un- 
der the Ten Regiment Bill, Hon. John M. 
Palmer elected Colonel, and was designated 
as the 14th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. 

When the opportunity was presented to the 
14th Regiment to enlist for three years, at the 
appointed hour, Capt. Hall, with one hundred 
and one men, marched up to Col. Palmer's 
headquarters, ready to take upon themselves 
the usual obligation, which elicited the fol- 
lowing remark from Col. Palmer: "Capt. 
Hall, old Shelby has reason to be proud of 
your company !" 

The regiment was ordered into Missouri, 
July 5th, and was detailed for service at seve- 
ral points on the Hannibal and St. Jo. and 
the North Missouri Railroads. August 13, 
they removed to Jefferson Barracks, and the 
next day were ordered to Rolla, on the south- 
west branch of the Pacific Railroad, to sup- 
port Gen. Sigel, who was falling back upon 
that place, after the memorable battle at Wil- 
son's Creek. 

Capt. Hall served with his company (B) 
until Sept. 1st. Returning to his family at 
Shelby ville, he received the appointment of 
First Major in the 7th Regiment Illinois Ca- 
valry, Col. Wm. Pitt Kellogg. Taking great 
interest in the reputation of the regiment, he 
applied himself very closely to the tactics, 
until Feb. 1st, when he was appointed Colonel 
of the 14th Regiment Illinois Volunteers — Col. 
Palmer having been promoted to a Brigadier 
Generalship. Col. Hall assumed command on 
board the steamer Continental, on the way to 
Fort Donelson, reaching that place fifteen 
hours after the surrender. Previous to his 
appointment, he was chosen Colonel by the 
ofi&cers and men of the regiment. At Fort 



T6 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



Donelson he was assigned to the 2d Brigade, 
Gen. Veatch, of Gen. Hurlbut's (4th) Divis- 
ion, where he still remains. At the battle of 
Shiloh, Col. Hall marched out his regiment, 
containing considerable less than six hundred 
men, of whom two hundred were killed and 
wounded — mostly on the first day of the bat- 
tle, Sunday, April 6th. Of the closing scene 
of Monday's operations, Gen. Veatch, in his 
official report, says : 

«' Col. Hall, of the 14th Illinois, with his 
regiment, led that gallant charge, on Monday 
evening, which drove the enemy beyond our 
lines, and closed the struggle on that memora- 
ble day. In the heat of battle, he exhibited 
the skill and firmness of a veteran." 

Col. Hall has furnished the author with the 
following brief account of the part taken by 
the 14th in the battle of Shiloh : 

" Long will the 14th Regiment Illinois Vol- 
unteers remember the position so long and 
ably held by them upon the Corinth road ! 
Here the solid columns of the rebel centre 
were thrust upon our lines with great fury, 
aided by a large artillery force. Notwith- 
standing the overwhelming force of the ene- 
my, our position was held until our right and 
left was completely turned by the heavy col- 
umns of the rebels, and we were forced to fall 
back to prevent being entirely cut off. Here 
our gallant old flag received a large share of 
its forty-one bullet holes, and Color-Sergeant 
Fletcher Ebey was killed while nobly carry- 
ing the same. One other noble fellow — Wm. 
W. Standage, private of Co. I — was seriously 
injured about four o'clock that eventful day, 
while bearing the colors — having seized them 
when Ebey fell. Four o'clock found us much 
oppressed in spii'its, and hard pressed by a 
superior force, but we had a line composed of 
the 4th (Gen. Hurlbut's) Division, which was 
never broken by the enemy. These were the 
men who, if necessary, would ' die in the last 



ditch.' Long, loud and ably did the heavy 
siege guns upon our left, aided by the gun- 
boats and a few batteries, deal death and ter- 
ror to the rebels, and soon after dark the 
enemy drew off, fell back, and bivouacked for 
the night — much to our joy and consolation. 

" On Monday we were held in reserve until 
afternoon, not far from two o'clock, when we 
were ordered forward ; came up lively through 
an old field, then across a skirt of woods to 
another field, where we came from column 
into line ; were then ordered to cross the field 
and charge the enemy, which was in sight in . 
the open woods beyond, composed of cavalry 
and infantry. The charge was made across 
the field on double-quick, the men yelling at 
the top of their voices. As soon as we were 
sufficiently near, the men were ordered to fire 
and advance. The enemy gave us a hearty 
welcome from a heavy battery upon the right, 
and from their small arms upon our left and 
front. Never did men behave more like vete- 
rans. After the rebels were entirely routed, 
we were ordered to halt and cease following 
them, which order was very reluctantly obeyed. 
We were placed, by the above gallant charge, 
in the possession of the last of the camps 
captured the day before. A singular coinci- 
dence occurred : The same field witnessed our 
review by Generals Grant and Hurlbut, our 
first disastrous stand in the morning, our sub- 
sequent retreat, and our final glorious charge 
and triumph on the second day, April 7th." 

Col. Hall participated in the perilous ap- 
proach to Corinth, in the two marches to 
Holly Springs from La Grange, and from La 
Grange to Memphis, where he still stands at 
the head of the old "Pious Fourteenth." He 
hesitates, however, to vouch for the soubriquet 
" Pious," since the long series of marches and 
hardships which his "boys" have undergone. 
But if severe fighting and cleaning out of reb- 
els is "practical piety," he thinks his mea 
possess that to an eminent degree. 




COl. KELLOGO 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



77 



OE]V. TTHIXE. 



Brigadier General Julius White, son of 
Lemuel and Emily White, was born at Cazeno- 
via, Madison county, N. Y., Sept. 29th, 1816. 
He removed to Illinois in 1836, and has re- 
sided in Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin since 
that time. He was a member of the Wiscon- 
sin Legislature in 1849, and was engaged in 
commercial pursuits and as an insurance 
agent up to the time the war broke out. Mr. 
White was appointed Collector of Customs at 
Chicago in the spring of 1861. He raised a 
regiment of infantry (the 37th Illinois, for- 
merly known as the Fremont Rifle Regiment), 
and resigned the CoUectorship upon being ap- 
pointed to the command of the regiment, in 
Sept., 1861. He commanded the regiment 
during Fremont's expedition to Southwestern 
Missouri, in the fall of 1861, and was placed 
in command of a brigade, and marched with 
General Curtis into Arkansas in the ensuing 
winter. He was present at the battle of Pea 
Ridge, fought on the 6th, 7th and 8th days of 
March, 1862, and was promoted to the rank 
of Brigadier General for gallant conduct in 
that severely contested battle, to rank from 



June 9th, 1862. In accordance with orders, 
he proceeded to Washington early in July, after 
a brief visit to his family in Chicago, and 
joined his brigade, which forms a part of the 
army of Virginia. 

Of the engagement at Martinsburg, in 
which the rebels were repulsed with con- 
siderable loss, Gen. White made the follow- 
ing report to Maj. Gen. Wool, dated Martins- 
burg, Va., Sept. 7, 1862: 

"I have the honor to report that the enemy, 
consisting of 400 cavalry, who attacked my 
outposts, have been defeated, with the loss of 
about fifty prisoners, horses and arms, now in 
our possession. Our loss was two killed and 
ten wounded, including Capt. Grosvenor and 
Lieut. Logan, of the 12th Illinois cavalry. 
The loss of the enemy greatly exceeds our 
own, but is not accurately known." 

On the 15th September, at the capture of 
Harper's Ferry, Va., by the enemy, ^com- 
manded by Jackson, Gen. White, who had 
just joined our forces there with his com- 
mand, was taken prisoner, and acting Briga- 
dier Gen. Miles was killed. 



COL. ICELLOOO. 



Wm. Pitt Kbllogg, Colonel 7th Regiment 
Hlinois Cavalry, was born in Montpelier, Ver- 
mont, Dec. 8th, 1831, and removed to Illinois 
in 1848. He attended, for two years, the Nor- 
wich Military University in Vermont, under 
Gen. Truman B. Ransom, father of Col. Ran- 
som of the 11th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. 
After which, he read law with Hon. E. G. John- 
son of Peoria, and commenced practice in Ful- 
ton county, Illinois, in 1856. The year fol- 
lowing, Mr. Kellogg was a candidate for the 
State Legislature, but by a coalition between the 
Democrats and Americans, he was defeated by 
a small majority, although he ran some two 
hundred votes ahead of his ticket. In 1860 
he was chosen Republican Elector, and Was 



appointed by Mr. Lincoln, in March, 1861, 
Chief Justice of Nebraska. In Sept. of the 
same year, Gov. Yates offered him a commission 
as Col. of the 7th Begt. Illinois Cavalry, when 
Mr. Kellogg obtained leave of absence from 
the Territory, and entered the service. He 
was present at the taking of New Madrid, where 
his regiment captured four guns from the 
enemy. Col. Kellogg accompanied Gen. Pope's 
army up the Tennessee river, and took part in 
the capture of Corinth. In July, 1862, the 
Col. left his regiment temporarily in order to 
hold court at Omaha, N. T., at the usual time, 
but will soon again join the 7th, now stationed 
at Tuscumbia, Ala. 



78 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



OOL. DICIiEY. 



Theophilus Ltle Dickey is a son of the 
Rev. John Dickey, of Kentucky, a clergyman 
of the Presbyterian Church, and one of the 
pioneers of the church militant in the regions 
along the Ohio river, in the early settlement 
of the country. 

He was born in Paris, Kentucky, November 
12th, 1812. Being of an ingenuous nature, 
and at the same time discriminating mind, as 
well as trained by a man of the eminent apos- 
tolical and puritanic character of his distin- 
guished father, he early imbibed towards the 
institution of domestic slavery sentiments of 
the deepest abhorrence. These were based 
mainly upon his personal observations of the 
treatment slaves received, and the influence of 
the system upon the character of the whole 
people. 

An incident related by him, as occurring in 
his presence, while yet a youth, passing over 
the country in Kentucky, in company with his 
most excellent father, made a deep impression 
upon his mind. A copple of slaves — men, wo- 
men and children — were passing, all fastened 
to a rope, on their way to a southern market, 
some singing, some crying, all influenced by 
the sweet strains of a band of music, under 
the leadership and presidency of a driver, 
with his whip-lashes and insignia of author- 
ity. Whereupon, the Rev. John Dickey, his 
father, having first straightened up his tall 
and majestic form, and boiling over with fer- 
vent indignation at the sight, awaited the 
coming of the leader. Immediately upon 
him this successor of the Apostles poured 
forth an irresistible strain of invective, such 
as the sight inspired, characterizing the busi- 
ness as it deserved, and warning the actors of 
the vengeance of God they were laying in 
store for themselves against the time to come. 



Still, .Judge Dickey, by the death of a ma- 
ternal relative, himself, about the period of 
his arriving at lawful age, became a slave- 
holder by inheritance, owning about a dozen 
of the descendants of Africa. About the 
same time, he was married, and on looking to 
the serious aflairs of life, his first act was to 
liberate all his slaves, and he formed the purpose 
of removing to a free State, resolved that the 
sacrifice of the character and destinies of his 
family, which he considered a necessary con- 
sequence of settlement in a slave State, and 
reliance for living on unrequited labor, too 
great to be endured, too costly to be purchased. 

Thus, he struck for freedom, in 1835, and 
removed to Illinois, and settled in Macomb, 
McDonough county, where he studied law with 
Cyrus Walker, and the year following was ad- 
mitted to the bar. In 1837, Mr. Dickey re- 
moved to Rushville, 111., where he remained 
until 1839, when he again removed and settled 
in Ottawa, his present residence. In 1846, 
he enlisted, and was elected Captain of a com- 
pany in Col. Hardin's regiment, but soon after 
reaching Mexico, on account of ill health, was 
compelled to resign. In June, 1848, he was 
elected Judge of the Circuit Court, Ninth 
District, which position he resigned in 1852. 
After this date, he practised law in Chicago, 
the firm being Dickey, Mather & Taft. In 
the summer of 1861, he received authority 
from the Governor of Illinois to raise a regi- 
ment, and in October he proceeded to Spring- 
field with his regiment, the 4th Illinois Caval- 
ry. At Fort Donelson, Col. Dickey rendered 
most efficient service, in preventing the escape 
of a rebel column, and also distinguished 
himself at the battle of Shiloh. He is now 
Chief of Cavalry on Maj. Gen. Grant's Staff. 




COL. BKACKETT. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



79 



COL. BItACKETX. 



Albert G. Brackett, Colonel of the 9th 
Regiment Illinois Cavalry, was born in Cherry 
Valley, Otsego county, New York, on the 14th 
day of February, 1829. In the autumn of 
1846, he removed to Indiana, and the next 
spring he volunteered as a soldier in the 
Mexican war. He was chosen 2d Lieutenant 
of an Indiana regiment, and shortly after, 
1st Lieutenant, in which capacity he con- 
tinued until the close of the war, displaying, 
on diflFerent occasions, the greatest bravery. 
He was in the battle of Huamantla, at the 
siege of Puebla, and at the bombardment of 
Atlixco. His regiment was attached to Gen. 
Lane's command, and served through the 
campaign with great credit. At the close 
of the war, Lieut. Brackett prepared a volume 
entitled " A History of Lane's Brigade in 
Mexico," embodying his own personal ob- 
servations. 

On the 3d of March, 1855, he was appointed 
Captain in the 2d Regiment of U. S. Cavalry, 
and after having recruited a company of reg- 
ulars at Rock Island, Illinois, was ordered to 
Texas, where he continued to serve against 
the Camanche and Apache Indians until the 
breaking out of the rebellion. During his 
stay in that region and on the frontier, he 
saw much active service. He had command 
of several important posts, and had frequent 
fights with the Camanches, whom he eventu- 
ally conquered and brought to terms. Not 
only had Capt. Brackett to guard the country 
against Indian depredations, but he had fre- 
quently to repel the incursions of Cortenas 
and other Mexican bandits, who were accus- 
tomed to scour the country far and near, 
carrying off all that they could obtain, and 
hesitating not to commit murder if necessary 
to their success. The records of the depart- 
ment show amply his success on the frontier, 
in defending the country from the Indians 
and the Mexicans, and he had the honor of 
receiving the particular commendation and 
thanks of Gen. Scott for his conduct. He 
made his escape from Texas after the traitor. 
General Twiggs, had surrendered his whole 
command to the rebels, and after a great deal 
of difficulty, made his way to Florida, thence 
to Cuba, and from there to New York. 



His company having been refitted at Carlisle 
Barracks, Pennsylvania, marched to Washing- 
ington, and crossed the Potomac into Virginia 
with the first troops. At the battle of Black- 
burn's Ford, which took place on the Friday 
preceding the battle of Bull Run, Brackett's 
company of cavalry took an important part. 
They were exposed to the hottest of the ene- 
my's fire, and not only served as cavalry, 
but assisted the artillery forces in bringing 
up their guns, and indeed were everywhere 
and anywhere that their services were needed. 
Capt. Brackett, during the fight, seeing one 
of the New York regiments leaving the field 
in disorder for want of ofiicers competent to 
direct them, placed himself at their head, 
rallied them by word and example, and suc- 
ceeded in taking them back to face the enemy. 

At the battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, 
his cavalry was General McDowell's escort 
through the whole day, and were constantly 
exposed to the enemy's fire. In the disastrous 
flight, they covered the retreat, and by vigor- 
ous and intelligible action, did much to restore 
order and confidence in the host of men aban- 
doned by their own appointed officers. No 
officer of his rank did more to retrieve the 
fortunes of the day than Capt. Brackett. His 
conduct received the approbation of his com- 
manding officer. 

In the fall and winter of 1861-2, he raised 
a splendid cavalry regiment (9th Regiment 
Illinois Cavalry) in the vicinity of Chicago, 
and in February, 1862, marched to Missouri, 
and thence to Arkansas, forming part of 
Steele's brigade of Gen. Curtis' army. On 
the 12th of June, 1862, he met and defeated 
a large rebel force at the Waddell Farm, 
Jackson county, Arkansas, and saved a val- 
uable train belonging to the Government. 
Again, on the 27th of June, he attacked a 
superior force of the enemy at Stewart's 
Plantation, Jackson co.. Ark., and fought 
them until dark, when the enemy retired, 
and next day sent in a flag of truce to ob- 
tain permission to bury their dead. The 
Illinois troops went into the engagement with 
"nerves of steel and hearts of oak," and 
displayed the greatest gallantry. In this 
action Col. Brackett was severely wounded, 



80 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



and is still (Sept. 16th) suffering from its sesses no braver or more gallant ofl5cer, or 

effects. He is now stationed with his regi- one to whom the lines of the poet could be 

ment at Helena, Arkansas. Col. Brackett more properly applied : 
has lately been promoted Major of Cavalry " In war, was never lion r^ed more fierce ; 

in the regular service, which certainly pos- 



In peace, was never gentle lamb more mild." 



COL. STARRIIVO. 



Feederick a. Starring, Colonel of the 
72d Illinois Volunteers (1st Chicago Board 
of Trade Regiment), was born in Buffalo, 
N. Y., May 24, 1834. From his earliest child- 
hood he evinced a strong love for the pro- 
fession of arms. He received a military 
education, and fitted himself for the profession 
of civil engineering, after having spent three 
years of his boyhood as a sailor before the 
mast. In 1862, he went to Chicago, and was 
employed by the Illinois Central R. R. Co. in 
different departments until 1866. 

In 1857, he proceeded to the south, and was 
absent most of the time until the breaking out 
of the rebellion, at which date he was Secre- 
tary of a railroad in Arkansas. Liberal 
offers were made to him to enter the southern 
army ; but, leaving everything, he came from 
there early in May, 1861, in disguise, hunted 
and branded as a renegade and traitor to the 
south, sacrificing everything he possessed, 
with a price on his head — ("a liberal reward 
for his scalp.") After many diflBculties, he 
reached Louisville, and returned again to 111., 
and tendered, June Ist, 1861, to the Presi- 
dent a regiment, the skeleton organization of 
which was formed and framed by the lamented 
CoL E. E. Ellsworth, between whom and Col. 



Starring the warmest intimate personal friend- 
ship and confidence existed. 

The regiment was not then received by the 
Government, and the companies went into 
different organizations already accepted. Col. 
Starring went to the Potomac, and remained 
until after the disastrous battle at Bull Run. 
He returned to Illinois, and was commissioned 
Major of the 46th Illinois Regt., and served in 
that regiment from Sept., 1861, to January, 
1862, and was then transferred to the 2d 111. 
Light Artillery, when that regiment was form-, 
ed, as Major of the regiment. Col. S. was at 
Island No. 10, during the long bombardment; 
was stationed at Columbus, Ky., and was 
Chief of the Artillery, district of the Missis- 
sippi, at the time of his promotion to the 
command of the 1st Chicago Board of Trade 
Regiment, in August, 1862. This regiment, 
one of the best that Illinois has sent into the 
field, left Chicago en route for Kentucky, 
August 30th, and is now (Sept. 18th) sta- 
tioned at Paducah, the post at that place 
being in command of Col. Starring. For 
versatile and technical knowledge of military 
tactics, the Col. of the 72d, although so young 
a soldier, has probably no superior among 
our volunteer ofiicers. 




GEN. HUNTER. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICEKS. 



81 



OEIV. HXJIVTEII. 



Major General David Hunter was born in 
Washington, District of Columbia, July 26, 
1802. His fatlier, who was a Chaplain in the 
army, was a native of Virginia, of the family 
of Hunters of Winchester. He graduated at 
West Point in 1822, the twenty-fifth in rank 
in a class numbering forty, and was appointed 
2d Lieutenant in the Infantry, his commission 
dating from July 1, 1822. He took command 
of Fort Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois, December 
14, 1830, which he retained until May 20, 

1831. During tHis period he was married 
to Miss Maria I. Kinzie, daughter of John 
Kinzie, the first permanent inhabitant of the 
city of Chicago, who settled there in 1804, the 
year following the erection of Fort Dearborn. 
Having risen to a 1st Lieutenancy, he was, in 

1832, made a Captain of Dragoons, and twice 
crossed the Plains to the Rocky Mountains, 
on one of which long, perilous and fatiguing 
journeys he was accompanied by Mrs. Hunter, 
who has been the almost constant companion 
of her husband in all of his campaign life. 
In 1836, he resigned and entered into the 
forwarding business at Chicago, forming a 
copartnership with his brother-in-law, John 
H. Kinzie. In 1842, he rejoined the army 
as a Paymaster, in which position, with the 
rank of Major, the present administration 
found him. He accompanied the President 
from Springfield, en route for Washington, 
as far as Buffalo, N. Y., where, owing to 
the extraordinary pressure of the crowd, 
he suffered a dislocation of the collar-bone. 
May 14, 1861, he was appointed Col. of the 
6th Regiment U. S. Cavalry, and at the dis- 
astrous battle of Bull Run, July 21st, 1861, 
commanded the main column of McDowell's 
army, and was severely wounded in the neck. 
August 13, 1861, he was made Major General 
of Volunteers, and superseded Maj. Gen. Fre- 
mont in the Department of Missouri, Nov. 2d, 
1861, In assuming command. Gen. Hunter 
repudiated Fremont's agreement with Price 
in Missouri, and in his report to headquarters, 
assigned as his reasons that it would render 
the enforcement of martial law impossible, 
give absolute liberty to the propagandists of 
treason, and practically annul the confiscation 
act. Gen. Hunter afterwards had command 

6 



of the Department of Kansas, with his head- 
quarters at Fort Leavenworth. While in com- 
mand of this Department, he received the 
following complimentary dispatch from Gen. 
Halleck, dated St. Louis, February 19, 1862 : 
"To you, more than any other man out of 
this Department, are we indebted for our suc- 
cess at Fort Donelson. In my strait for troops 
to reinforce Gen. Grant, I applied to you. You 
responded nobly, placing your forces at my 
disposal. This enabled me to win the victory. 
Accept my most heartfelt thanks." 

In March, 1862, he was ordered to South 
Carolina, assuming command of the Depart- 
ment of the South, consisting of the States of 
South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, and es- 
tablishing his headquarters at Hilton Head, 
Port Royal, S. C. On the 11th of the month 
following. Fort Pulaski surrendered to the 
forces under his command. May 9, 1862, 
Gen. Hunter issued a proclamation, declaring 
the slaves of all the rebels in his Department 
free, which was annulled by the President on 
the 19th of the same month. June 16th, a 
portion of the troops under Gen. Hunter's 
command met with a severe repulse at the 
battle of James Island, near Charleston, Brig. 
Gen. B^nham having, in direct violation of 
Gen. Hunter's orders, made an attack upon 
the enemy. Having organized negro regi- 
ments in his Department, which was also 
done by another Federal officer, the following 
order was issued by the rebel authorities: 

War Department, ) 

Adjutant and Inspbotob General's Office, ( 

KiCHMOND, Aug. 21, 1862. ) 

General Orders, No. 60.] 

1. Whereas, Major General Hunter, recently 
in command of the enemy's forces on the coast 
of South Carolina, and Brigadier General 
Phelps, a military commander of the enemy 
in the State of Louisiana, have organized 
negro slaves for military service against their 
masters, citizens of this Confederacy : 

And whereas, The Government of the United 
States has refused to answer an inquiry 
whether said conduct of its officers meets its 
sanction, and has thus left to this government 
no other means of repressing said crimes and 
outrages than by the adoption of such meas- 
ures of retaliation as shall serve to prevent 
their repetition ; 

Ordered, That Major General Hunter and 
Brigadier General Phelps be no longer held 



82 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



and treated as public enemies of the Confed- order on these occasions. "Let in fresh air 

erate States, but as outlaws; and that in the and sunlight; let purity replace coiruption." 

event of the capture of either of them, or that But in presence of one great evil, which 

of any other commissioned officer employed has so long brooded over our country, the 

in drilling, organizing, or instructing slaves, intelligence of a large portion of our people 

with a view to their armed service in this war, would seem paralyzed and helpless. Their 

he shall not be regarded as a prisoner of war, moral nerves lie torpid under its benumbing 

but held in close confinement for execution as shadow. Its breath has been the pestilence 

a felon, at such time and place as the Presi- of the political atmosphere in which our 

dent may order. statesmen have been nurtured ; and never, I 

By order, S. COOPER, fear, until its beak is dripping with the best 

Adjutant and Inspector General, blood of the country, and its talons tangled 

He remained in that Department until ^° ^^^ vitals, will the free masses of the loyal 

early in September, when, by order of the ^t^T \l ^""1!^ ^"?''''^ ^"^ l^^ necessity of 
„ J • n, • X. 1. , J X wr , abating the abomination at whatever cost and 

Commanaer-m-Lhiei, he proceeded to Wash- by whatever agencies 

ington, giving up the command of the De- This is written, not politically, but accord- 
partment of South Carolina to Gen. 0. M. ^^S *» ™y profe?sion in the military sense. 
Mitchell. While there, he wrote the following f'^^,^^"^ forward, there looms up a possibility 
1 X* ♦ *v. Tj a/ u IT rr r> T^ (^"^^ ^^° possible of a peace which shall be 

letter to the Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, D.D., nothing but an armistice, with every advan- 
President of the National Freedman's Associ- tage secured to the Rebellion. Nothing can 
ation of New York, dated Hilton Head, S. C, S^^^ "^ permanent peace but a successful 
July 17, 1862. As Gen. Hunter is by educa- f °«e«"^io° «f ^^^ war, with every weapon 
. '. ,j. , , ■' . ana energy at our command, to its logical 

tion and choice a soldier, what he says m re- and legitimate conclusion. The fomenting 
gard to the subject of slavery at this time has cause of the Rebellion must be abated ; the 
a weight and authority to which the opinions ^^® ™"^* ^^ ^^^^ ^o the root of the upas tree 

of few men are entitled. ^^^'^ ^'^.^ """l^f ^"'^^ ^"^'^ ,b|"er fruit upon 

our country, before anything like a permanent 

Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the peace can be justly hoped, 
receipt of your communication, dated June 2, Already I see signs in many influential 
1862, expressing to me the approval of my quarters, heretofore opposed to my views in 
course in regard to the freed slaves of this favor of arming the blacks, of a change of 
Department by the important and benevolent sentiment. Our recent disasters before Rich- 
association of which you are President. mond have served to illuminate many minds. 

Satisfied of having attempted, in the ab- To speak of using the negroes merely for 
sence of instructions, to do my duty in the throwing up entrenchments, is a step in the 
matter according to the best lights of my right direction, though far short of what must 
judgment and a long experience, every assur- be the end. It has the advantage, however, 
ance of sympathy from men whose characters of making the further and final steps neces- 
I esteem is gratifying, and enables me to wait sary ; for men working in face of the enemy 
with more patience for those inevitable days must have arms with which to protect them- 
which are to give a policy on the slavery selves if suddenly attacked, 
question to our Government. On the whole, there is much reason to be 

It is my only fear that the lesson may not satisfied with the progress made by public 
be understood and acted upon until read in sentiment, considering how deeply -rooted 
characters of blood at the fireside of every were the prejudices to be overcome, the 
Northern family. To attain wisdom we must general failure of the nation to realize at first 
suflFer; but that wisdom on the slavery ques- the proportions of the war, and the impunity 
tion must finally be obtained, is my sustain- still extended to those Northern traitors who 
ing faith. are the plunderers of the Government by 

Our people are not dull of comprehension nieans of fraudulent army and navy contracts, 
in regard to matters about which free play is on the one hand, while using every energy of 
.given to their common sense. When a fire is tongue and pen to excite discontent with our 
spreading through a block of houses, they do Government and sympathy with the more 
not hesitate to batter down an intermediate candid and courageous traitors of the South 
Iiouse to save the remainder of the block, who are in arms against us. 
When the plague occupies an infected district, In conclusion, it may not be inappropriate 
•the district is quarantined, and every resource to say that in transmitting the approval of 
of science and industry put forth to rid the the National Freedman's Relief Association 
locality of its presence. The soldiers of health of my course, you were— doubtless, uncon- 
are by no means ordered to mount guard over sciously— indorsing views which your own 
each smitten house and see that the vested earnest eloquence had no slight share in 
interests of pestilence are protected. "Break maturing. Though without the pleasure of 
open doors, if they be not opened," is the your personal acquaintance, I was, during a 




GEN. M C C L E R N A N D. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



83 



year, a member of your congregation, and 
take this opportunity of gratefully acknowl- 
edging my indebtedness to your teachings. 

Your letter would have been earlier answer- 
ed, had not pressing duties too fully occupied 
my time. 

Believe me, Sir, very truly, your obliged 
and obedient servant, D. HUNTER. 

P. S. — None of the carefully fostered delu- 
sions by which slavery has sustained itself at 
the North, is more absurd than the bugbear 
of "a general migration of negroes to the 
North," as a necessary sequence of emanci- 
pation. So far is this from being the fact, 
that although it is well known that I give 
passes North to all negroes asking them, not 
more than a dozen have applied to me for 
such passes since my arrival here, their local 
attachments being apparently much stronger 
than with the white race. My experience 



leads me to believe that the exact reverse of 
the received opinion on this subject would 
form the rule, and that nearly if not quite all 
the negroes of the North would migrate South 
whenever they shall be at liberty to do so 
without fear of the auction-block. 

Sincerely, D. H. 

By Special Orders No. 286, a commission, 
over which Maj. Gen. Hunter presides, as- 
sembled at Washington, Sept. 25th, 1862, for 
the trial of such cases as might be brought 
before it. The investigation into the conduct 
of the officers against whom Gen. Pope brought 
charges, the surrender of Harper's Ferry, and 
other matters connected with the late battles 
in Maryland, are expected to come before the 
court. 



oe:iv. M:cCiL.EPt]VA-ivr>, 



Major General John Alexander McGler- 
NAND was born in Breckinridge county, Ky., 
May 30th, 1812. Upon the death of his father, 
in 1816, his mother removed to Shawneetown, 
Illinois, where he acquired his education in the 
village school. When not attending school, he 
worked on a farm. In 1827, he commenced 
the study of the law, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1830. The same year he volunteered in 
the war against the Sac and Fox Indians, serv- 
ing in the ranks as a private until the war 
was closed by the battle of Bad Axe. Ill 
health rendered it necessary, after his return 
home, that he should defer professional prac- 
tice until his health should be restored by 
more active life. Accordingly, for two years, 
during 1838-4, he traded upon the Ohio and 
Mississippi rivers. With the pecuniary means 
thus acquired, he was better enabled to engage 
successfully in his profession. 

In 1835, he established the first Democratic 
press that ever existed in Shawneetown. The 
paper published, of which he was the editor, 
was called the Democrat. In the same year he 
opened an office in Shawneetown, and com- 
menced the practice of law in the several 
courts of the judicial circuit. He continued 
to practice his profession with succeas until 



his election to Congress, in 1843. In the mean- 
time, he formed a partnership with Albert G. 
Caldwell, a gentleman who had finished his 
studies in Mr. McClernand's office. 

His political principles are inflexibly those 
of a Democrat. "Born one of the people," 
he says, "he continues one of the people." 
The late General Ewing, formerly Senator in 
Congress from Illinois, when referring to him 
upon an exciting political question, said, " Mc- 
Clernand we can count upon ; he is always for 
the Democracy and his friends." 

In 1836, he was elected to the State Legis- 
lature from the county of Gallatin. He was 
then twenty-four years of age. Politics ran 
high. Gen. Jackson's administration was vio- 
lently opposed. The Whigs expected to over- 
throw it, and with it, the ascendancy of the 
Democratic party. In this crisis. Governor 
Duncan, who had been repeatedly elected to 
Congress as a Democrat and political friend of 
Gen. Jackson, made a violent attack upon him, 
in his message to the Legislature of 1836. 
He denounced him or the abuse of executive 
patronage ; for wasteful and increased expen- 
ditures; for vetoing the bill to recharter th« 
United States Bank ; for the removal of the 
deposits, and for other alleged delinquencieB. 



84 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



The friends of the Governor, at home and 
abroad, predicted that he would be able to 
revolutionize the politics of the State. The 
contest became fierce, and the excitement in- 
tense. 

In this state of things, a legislative com- 
mittee was raised to investigate the charges 
preferred by the Governor against the Presi- 
dent. Mr. McClernand, in behalf of the com- 
mittee, prepared and presented a report, which 
thoroughly discussed all the mooted political 
topics of the day, and defended' and vindicated 
the administration of the President. It is 
known that the State was finally saved to the 
Democratic party. 

During the same session of 1836-'?, a system 
of internal improvements was adopted. Mr. 
McClernand had been elected, and, after his 
election, had been formally instructed by his 
constituents to support such a system. No al- 
ternative, therefore, was allowed him, but to 
violate instructions, or vote for the system if 
he retained his seat. Accordingly, he voted 
for the system, and advocated, in a speech, the 
general policy of public improvements by the 
States. He has subsequently stated, in the 
councils of the State, that he regretted the 
necessity for the part he took upon this ques- 
tion more than anything which had occurred 
in connection with his political career. Re- 
ferring to this subject at a subsequent period, 
he thus expresses himself: 

"If we look to the circumstances of the 
time, we shall find a satisfactory solution of 
the matter. Railroads and canals were the 
mania of the time. Banks had multiplied ; 
paper money had become never so plenty ; 
speculation had inflamed the public mind, and 
become rife throughout Europe and America. 
Causes of imperious and world-wide operation 
were driving nations and individuals, heedless 
and infatuated, upon the treacherous rocks of 
speculation. The extravagance committed by 
Illinois, was committed, in greater or less de- 
gree, by almost every State in the Union, and 
by thousands of individuals. Her failure, 
therefore, was not an exception, but a misfor- 
tune in which individuals and nations equally 
shared. The convulsion and the calamity were 
general ; their causes originated in the great 
and mysterious law which appoints to human 
affairs the periodical fluctuations which are 
typified in the diurnal fluctuations of the sea." 

During the same session of 1836-7, a con- 
troversy arose respecting the Illinois and Michi- 
gan Canal, which had well-nigh defeated that 



great and popular work. Mr. McClernand was 
an efficient and bold advocate of what is known 
as the "deep-cut plan," which, with some 
amendments, was finally adopted. After the 
controversy had been adjusted, the offices of 
commissioner and treasurer of the canal were 
tendered to him, and he was elected unani- 
mously, we believe, by the Legislature. 

In 1837, he entered upon the duties of this 
twofold office. In the spring of 1839, the 
State found herself without adequate means 
to carry on the work, and Mr. McClernand, 
deeming it useless to continue his connection 
with it, resigned the office. His faithful ad- 
ministration of his responsible trust upon the 
canal was responded to by complimentary reso- 
lutions adopted at public meetings. 

In 1840, Mr. McClernand was elected a 
second time to the Legislature from the county 
of Gallatin. A large majority of Democrats 
were returned to both branches. The most 
exciting question of the session was the pas- 
sage of the new Judiciary Bill. The Supreme 
Court had given great ofi'ence to the people of 
the State, not only on account of its decision 
on the quo warranto, but especially with re- 
ference to the right of aliens to vote under the 
Constitution of the State. The Legislature 
went to work to reform the judiciary, and this 
was done. In the debate upon the bill having 
this last-mentioned object in view, Mr. Mc- 
Clernand, on the authority of a highly respecta- 
ble gentleman, made a statement imputing 
improper conduct to the Supreme Court in re- 
gard to a cause involving the exercise of the 
elective franchise, to which Theophilus W. 
Smith, of the Judges of the Supreme Court, 
took exception. The consequence was a chal- 
lenge from Judge Smith, which was promptly 
accepted by Mr. McClernand, who immediately 
repaired to the place of meeting. But the 
Judge failed to do so, and the hostile meeting 
never took place. 

In December, 1840, Mr. McClernand, Adam 
W. Snyder, then former representative in Con- 
gress, and afterward Democratic nominee for 
Governor, whose election was only prevented 
by his death, James H. Ralston, Isaac P. Wal- 
ker and John W. Eldridge, were nominated by 
a State Convention for electors to support 
Martin Van Buren and Richard M. Johnson, 
Democratic candidates for President and Vice- 
President. The Whig ticket for electors, 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



85 



pledged to support Gen. Harrison and John 
Tyler, were Samuel D. Marshall, Edwin B. 
Webb, Abraham Lincoln, now President of the 
United States, Cyrus Walker and Buckner S. 
Morris. The canvass was no ordinary one. 
It was an energetic struggle, protracted for 
months : the stake was a State which might, 
as was supposed by many, decide the election. 
The result was a majority of about four thou- 
sand votes for Van Buren and Johnson in that 
portion of the State, the majority in the whole 
State being about nineteen hundred. 

In 1842, Mr. McClernand was a third time 
elected to the Legislature, and the year follow- 
ing, while still amemberof the Legislature, was 
elected a representative to the twenty-eighth 
Congress. Before taking his seat, he married Sa- 
rah, daughter of Col. Dunlap, of Jacksonville.IU. 
As a member of Congress, he soon won the 
confidence of his political friends. His first 
speech, which was upon the bill to remit the 
fine imposed upon Gen. Jackson by Judge Hall, 
evinced the warm affection which he had cher- 
ished from his youth up for that illustrious 
man. During the second session of the same 
Congress, he brought forward, as a member of 
the Committee on Public Lands, a comprehen- 
sive and interesting report, accompanied by a 
bill for a grant of land to ai din the completion 
of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. In 1844, 
in consequence of a change of the usual time, 
by an act of the Legislature, another election 
for representatives in Congress came on, and 
Mr. McClernand was re-elected without oppo- 
sition. In 1846, he was a third time elected, 
and again without opposition in 1848 and 
1850 he was elected. In 1852 he was not 
a candidate for Congress, but headed the 
Democratic electoral ticket. In 1854, Mr. 
McClernand removed to Jacksonville, and in 
1857, to Springfield, practicing law at both 
places. He was chairman of the Committee on 
Resolutions in the Democratic State Conven- 
tion of 1858, which formally repudiated Le- 
comptonism, and sustained Senator Douglas. 
In 1859, he was nominated for Congress in the 
Springfield district, and served until the break- 
ing out of the war, when he resigned his seat, 
returned to Illinois, and with Col. (now Brig. 
General) John A. Logan and Col. P. B. Fouke, 
both members of Congress, raised the McCler- 
nand Brigade. The President appointed him 
a Brigadier General, May 17, 1861, and he 



immediately proceeded to Cairo, where he se- 
cured, during his administration of military 
affairs there, the respect and good-will of 
all under his command. He accompanied Gen. 
Grant to Belmont with his brigade, and in the 
engagement he displayed great military ca- 
pacity. The day after the battle. Gen. Mc- 
Clernand issued the following General Order 
(No. 15) to his gallant troops : 

Brigade Headquarters, Camp Cairo, ) 
November 8, 1861. J 

The General commanding the First Brigade 
of Illinois Volunteers takes pleasure in meeting 
to-day those who conferred honor upon his 
command by their gallantry and good conduct 
on yesterday. Few of you had before seen a 
battle. You were but imperfectly disciplined, 
and supplied with inferior arms. Yet you 
marched upon a concealed enemy, of superior 
numbers, on ground of their own choosing. 

You drove them steadily before you for two 
miles of continued fighting, and forced them to 
seek shelter in their entrenchments at Belmont, 
beneath the heavy batteries at Columbus. You 
drove them from their position, and destroyed 
their camp — bringing with you, on retiring, 
two hundred prisoners, two field-pieces, and a 
large amount of other property. 

Reinforced from Columbus, they formed in 
large numbers in your rear, to cut you off, while 
the heavy guns were playing upon your ranks. 
Fighting the same ground over again, you drove 
them a second time. A portion of the com- 
mand, becoming separated from the rest, made 
a successful and well ordered movement by 
another route, and returned to the river. After 
a day of fatiguing marches, fighting as you 
marched, having been nearly six hours actually 
engaged, you re-embarked and returned to 
your camps. 

On looking along your ranks to-day, the com- 
manding General has cause to mourn the ab- 
sence of many of his gallant men — the victims 
of inexorable war. Some laid down their lives 
on the battle-field, offering their blood freely, 
and giving their last and most glorious mo- 
ments to their country. Others bear honorable 
wounds, and suffer more than those who died, 
yet it is hoped ihey will resume their duties 
and win new honors. 

While mourning the dead and offering sym- 
pathy to the suffering, the General commanding 
gratefully acknowledges his gratitude, and of- 
fers the thanks of a grateful country and State 
to the officers and soldiers of Illinois under his 
command, for their gallantry and good conduct. 
When again called upon, he hopes to find you 
equally prompt, and better prepared for battle 
4nd for victory. By order of 

JOHN A. McClernand, 

Brigadier General Commanding. 

Gen. McClernand was present at the capture 

of Fort Henry and also at Fort Donelson, where, 



86 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



with his noble division, composed exclusively 
of Illinois troops, he acted a prominent part 
in its capture. A Massachusetts writer penned 
the following lines on hearing of the glorious 
victory : 

McClernand's division, composed of Ogle8by'8,'Wal- 
lace's and McArthur's brigades, suffered terribly. 
They were composed of the Eighth, Ninth, Eleventh, 
Eighteenth,Twentieth,Twenty-ninth,Thirtieth,Thirty- 
first, Forty-fifth, Forty-eighth and Forty-ninth Illi- 
nois re^imeuts. 

The Eighth, Eighteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-first 
Illinois regiments occupied a position above the Fort. 

The four Illinois regiments held their ground full 
three hours. Nearly one-third had been killed and 
wounded. Yet the balance stood firm. 

O gales that dash th' Atlantic's swell 

Along our rocky shores I 
Whose thunders diapason well 

New England's glad hurrahs — 

Bear to the prairies of the West 

The echoes of our joy. 
The prayer that springs in every breast: 

" God bless thee — Illinois 1" 

yO\i\ awful hours, when grape and shell 
■^ Tore through tu' unflinching line ; 



" Stand firm, remove the men who fell, 
Close up and wait the sign." 

It came at last, " Now lads, the steel I" 
The rushing hosts deploy; 
" Charge, boysl" — the broken traitors reel — 
Huzza for Illinois! 

In vain thy rampart, Donelson, ' 

The living torrent bars; 
It leaps the wall, the fort is won, 

Up go the Stripes and Stars. 

Thy proudest mother's eyelids fill, 

As dares her gallant boy. 
And Plymouth Kock and Bunker Hill 

Yearn to thee — Illinois. ,' 

For gallantry displayed at the taking of Ft. 
Donelson, he was made a Major Genei al, March 
21 , 1862. On the hotly-contested field of Shiloh, 
Gen. McClernand was present, and rendered 
valuable service in both day's battles. He was 
constantly in the field with his division from 
that date until September, when he was ordered 
to Springfield to assist Gov. Yates in organiz- 
ing the new volunteer regiments raised under 
the President's calls for 600,000 men. 



GEIV. POPE. 



Major General John Pope was born in Kas- 
kaskia, Illinois, March 12th, 1823. His father 
was the well known Judge Nathaniel Pope, 
of Virginia, who removed to Kentucky some 
time before the birth of his son, and after- 
wards settled in Illinois. He was a delegate 
to Congress from Illinois before its organiza- 
tion as a State, in 1828, and was afterwards 
appointed District Judge. His son was ap- 
pointed a cadet in the West Point Military 
Academy, from Illinois, in 1838, having re- 
ceived a thoroughly good preliminary educa- 
tion, and acquitted himself so well at the 
Academy as to form one of the distinguished 
graduating class in 1842, and was commis- 
sioned a brevet Second Lieutenant in the corps 
of Topographical Engineers on the 1st of July 
of the same year. In the Mexican war, Lieut. 
Pope was attached to the army under Gen. 
Taylor. At the battle of Monterey he won 
his First Lieutenancy, the new commission 
bearing date Sept. 23, 1846 ; and for gallantry 



at Buena Vista was brevetted a Captain, his 
commission bearing date February 23, 1847. 
In 1849, he conducted the Minnesota Ex- 
ploring Expedition ; having accomplished 
which, he was entrusted with the conduct of 
an expedition sent out by the Government to 
test the feasibility of boring artesian wells in 
the celebrated Staked Plain, stretching be- 
tween Texas and New Mexico, for some 
hundreds of miles in length, and about seven- 
ty-five in width, and partially in the territory 
of each. The region takes its Spanish name 
from the fact that owing to its aridity and 
barrenness, the Indians were compelled to 
stake out tracks to enable them to cross it 
with rapidity and certainty. Not a drop of 
water is found throughout its extent, and yet, 
as it lies directly on the best overland mail 
routes between the eastern and western slopes 
of the Union, it was of the greatest import- 
ance that it should be made traversable. With 
a view to do this, the artesian well enterprise 




G K N . POPE. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



87 



was undertaken by Capt. Pope, whose eflForts 
and adventures on the desert form an inter- 
resting page in the annals of western explora- 
tion. In 1853 he was assigned to the com- 
mand of one of the expeditions to survey the 
route of the Pacific Railroad. From 1854 
until 1859, he was engaged in exploring the 
Rocky Mountains, during which period (July 
lat, 1856) he took the actual rank of Captain 
in the Topographical Engineering corps, hav- 
ing previously been Captain by brevet. Dur- 
ing the political compaign of 1860, he sym- 
pathized with the Republicans, and in an ad- 
dress on the subject of fortifications, read 
before the Literary Society of Cincinnati, he 
satirized the policy of President Buchanan in 
unsparing terms. He was court-martialed by 
Buchanan shortly afterwards, but upon the 
recommendation of Mr. Holt, Postmaster 
General, the matter was dropped. He was 
still a Captain in the Engineer corps when the 
rebellion of 1861 broke out, and was one of 
the officers detailed by the War Department 
to escort President Lincoln to Washington. 

When the President called for four hundred 
thousand volunteers, Capt. Pope was named 
&a a Brigadier General, receiving his commis- 
sion May 17, 1861, and appointed to a com- 
mand in Missouri. He stands ninth on the 
list of Brigadiers, those who precede him be- 
ing Heintzelman, Key es, Andrew Porter, Frank- 
lin, W. T. Sherman, Stone, Buell, aMi T. W. 
Sherman. Gen. Pope's operations in North- 
ern Missouri, protecting railway communica- 
tion and driving out guerilla parties, were 
attended with great success. The most im- 
portant engagement with which he was then 
connected, was that which occurred at Black- 
water, where, by the co-operation of Gen. J. C. 
Davis, a large number of rebel prisoners were 
taken, and their army routed. Gen. Halleck en- 
trusted him with the command of the army of 
the Missis8ippi,destined to co-operate withFlag 
Officer Foote's flotilla. At the head of a well 
appointed army. General Pope left Commerce, 
Mo., marched on New Madrid, captured that 
place, and acted in concert with Com. Foote 
in driving the rebels from Island No. 10 into 
a well conceived trap, where about five thou- 
sand of them were taken prisoners by Gen. 
Pope's army. 

When General Halleck assumed command 
of the army on the Upper Tennessee, in 



April, 1862, he arrested General Pope's 
course down the Mississippi, when he was 
about to commence the attack on Fort Pillow. 
With his army he proceeded, in obedience to 
orders, to Pittsburgh Landing, and was as- 
signed a position on the extreme left of Hal- 
leck's army. Here he had command of one 
of the three grand divisions into which the 
Union force was divided, and by a brilliant 
piece of strategy succeeded in capturing a 
large number of rebel prisoners at Corinth. 
After the evacuation of Corinth, Gen. Pope 
pursued the enemy, under command of Gen. 
Beauregard, down the Mobile railroad, cap- 
turing many prisoners and munitions of war. 
He was engaged in this duty when summoned 
by the War Department to Washington, and 
assigned to the command of the troops in the 
Shenandoah Valley, consisting of three divisp 
ions, Fremont's, Banks' and McDowell's, June 
26, 1862. On assuming command, General 
Pope issued the following address : 

Washington, Monday, July 14, 1862. 
To the Officers and Soldiers of the Army of Virginia : 

By special assignment of the President of the 
United States, I have assumed command of this army. 

I have spent two weeks iu learning your wherea- 
bouts, your condition, and your wants; in preparing 
for your active operations, and in placing you in po- 
sitions from which you can act promptly and to the 
purpose. 

I have come to you from the West, where we have 
always seen the backs of our enemies— from an army 
whose business it has been to seek the adversary, and 
to beat him when found— whose policy has been at- 
tack, and not defense. 

In but one instance has the enemy been able to place 
our Western armies in a defensive attitude. 

I presume I have been called here to pursue the 
same system, and to lead you against the enemy. It 
is my purpose to do so, and that speedily. 

I am sure you long for an opportunity to win the 
distinction you are capable of achieving; that oppor- 
tunity I shall endeavor to give you. 

Meantime, I desire you to dismiss from your minds 
certain phrases which I am sorry to find much in 
vogue among you. 

I hear constantly of taking strong positions and 
holding them— of lines of retreat— and of bases of 
supplies. Let us discard such ideas. 

The strongest position the soldier should desire to 
occupy, is one from which he can most easily advance 
against the enemy. 

Let us study the probable lines of retreat of our op- 
ponents, and leave our own to take care of themselves. 

Let us look before us, and not behind. 

Success and glory are in the advance. 

Disaster and shame lurk in the rear. 

Let us act on this understanding, and it Is safe to 
predict that your banners shall be inscribed with 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFEICERS. 



many a glorious deed, and that your names will be 
dear to your countrymen forever. 

JOHN POPE, 
Major Gen. Commanding. 



On the 29th of July, Gen. Pope placed him- 
self at the head of the army, by whom he was 
received with the utmost enthusiasm, and es- 
tablished his headquarters at Warrenton. Of 
the battle of Cedar Mountain, August 9th, the 
first engagement which occurred with the en- 
emy after Gen. Pope assumed command of the 
army of Virginia, we have the following ofiBcial 
account from the General commanding : 

Headquarters Army of Virginia,)^ 
Cedar Mountain, Aug. 13, 1862, 5 p. m. J 
To Maj. Gen. Halleck, General-in-Chief: 

On Thursday morning, the enemy crossed 
the Rapidan atBarnett's Ford, in heavy force, 
and advanced strong on the road to Culpepper 
and Madison Court House. I had established 
my whole force on the turnpike between Cul- 
pepper and Sperryville, ready to concentrate 
at either place as soon as the enemy's plans 
were developed. 

Eai-ly on Friday it became apparent that 
the move on Madison Court House was merely 
a feint to detain the army corps of Gen. Sigel 
at Sperryville, and that the main attack of 
the enemy would be at Culpepper, to which 
place I had thrown forward part of Banks' 
and McDowell's corps. Brig. Gen. Bayard, 
with part of the rear of McDowell's corps, 
who was in the advance near the Rapidan, fell 
slowly back, delaying and embarrassing the 
enemy's advance as far as possible, and cap- 
turing some of his men. 

The forces of Banks and Sigel, and one of 
the divisions of McDowell's corps, were rapid- 
ly concentrated at Culpepper during Friday, 
and Friday night Banks' corps being pushed 
forward five miles south of Culpepper, with 
Rickett's division of McDowell's corps three 
miles in his rear. 

The corps of Gen. Sigel, which had marched 
all night, was halted in Culpepper, to rest for 
a few hours. 

On Saturday the enemy advanced rapidly to 
Cedar Mountain, the sides of which they oc- 
cupied in heavy force. 

Gen. Banks was instructed to take up his 
position on the ground occupied by Crawford's 
Brigade, of his command, which had been 
thrown out the day previous to observe the 
enemy's movements. He was directed not to 
advance beyond that point, and, if attacked 
by the enemy, to defend his position, and send 
back timely notice. 

It was my desire to have time to give the 
corps of Gen. Sigel all the rest possible after 
their forced march, and to bring forward all 
the forces at my disposal. 

The artillery of the enemy was opened 
early in the afternoon, but he made no ad- 



vance until nearly 5 o'clock, at which time a 
few skirmishers were thrown forward on each 
side, under cover of the heavy wood in which 
his force was concealed. 

The enemy pushed forward a strong force in 
the rear of his skirmishers, and Gen. Banks 
advanced to the attack. 

The engagement did not fairly open until 
after six o'clock, and for an hour and a half 
was furious and unceasing. 

Throughout the cannonading, which at first 
was desultory and directed mainly against the 
cavalry, I had continued to receive reports 
from Gen. Banks that no attack was appre- 
hended, and that no considerable infantry 
force of the enemy had come forward. 

Yet, toward evening, the increase in the ar- 
tillery firing having satisfied me an engage- 
ment might be at hand, though the lateness of 
the hour rendered it unlikely, I ordered Gen. 
McDowell to advance Ricketts' division to 
support Gen. Banks, and directed Gen. Sigel 
to bring his men upon the ground as soon as 
possible. 

I arrived personally on the field at seven 
p. M., and found the action raging furiously. 
The infantry fire was incessant and severe. 

I found Gen. Banks holding the position he 
took up early in the morning. His losses were 
heavy. 

Ricketts' division was immediately pushed 
forward, and occupied the right of Gen. Banks, 
the brigades of Crawford and Gordon being 
directed to change their position from the 
right and mass themselves in the centre. 

Before this change could be eflFected it was 
quite dark, though the artillery fire continued 
at short range without intermission. 

The artillery fire at night by the 2d and 5th 
Maine batteries in Ricketts' division of Gen. 
McDowell's corps, was most destructive, as 
was readily observable the next morning in 
the dead men and horses, and broken gun- 
carriages of the enemy's batteries which had 
been advanced against it. 

Our troops rested on their arms during the 
night in line of battle, the heavy shelling 
being kept up on both sides until midnight. 

At daylight the next morning the enemy fell 
back two miles from our front, and still higher 
up the mountain. 

Our pickets at once advanced and occupied 
the ground. 

The fatigue of the troops from long marches 
and excessive heat made it impossible for 
either side to resume the action on Sunday. 
The men were, therefore, allowed to rest and re- 
cruit the whole day, our only active operation 
being of cavalry on the enemy's flank and rear. 
Monday was spent in burying the dead and 
in getting off the wounded. 

The slaughter was severe on both sides, 
most of the fighting being hand to hand. 

The dead bodies of both armies were found 
mingled together in masses over the whole 
ground of the conflict. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



89 



The burying of the dead was not completed 
until dark on Monday, the heat being so terri- 
ble that severe work was not possible. 

On Monday night the enemy fled from the 
field, leaving many of his dead unburied and 
his wounded on the ground and along the road 
to Orange Court House, as will be seen from 
Gen. Buford's dispatch. 

A cavalry and artillery force under Gen. 
Buford was immediately thrown forward in 
pursuit, and followed the enemy to the Rapi- 
dan, over which he passed with his rear guard 
by ten o'clock in the morning. 

The behavior of Gen. Banks' corps during 
the action was very fine. No greater daring 
and gallantry could be exhibited by any troops. 
I cannot speak too highly of the coolness 
and intrepidity of Gen. Banks himself during 
the whole of the engagement. He was in the 
front, and exposed as much as any man in his 
command. His example was of the greatest 
benefit to his troops, and he merits and should 
receive the commendation of his Government. 
Generals Williams, Augur, Gordon, Craw- 
ford, Prince, Green and Geary, behaved with 
conspicuous gallantry. 

Augur and Geary were severely wounded, 
and Prince, by losing his way in the dark, 
while passing from one flank to another, fell 
into the hands of the enemy. 

T desire publicly to express my appreciation 
of the prompt and skillful manner in which 
Generals McDowell and Sigel brought forward 
their respective commands, and established 
them on the field, and of their cheerful and 
hearty co-operation with me from beginning 
to end. 

Brig. Gen. Roberts, chief of cavalry of this 
army, was with the advance of our forces on 
Friday and Saturday, and was conspicuous for 
his gallantry and for the valuable aid rendered 
to Gens. Banks and Crawford. 

Our loss was about 1500 killed, wounded 
and missing, of whom 290 were taken prison- 
ers. As might be expected, from the charac- 
ter of the engagement, a very large propor- 
tion of these were killed. 

The enemy's loss in killed, wounded and 
prisoners, we are now satisfied, is much in ex- 
cess of our own. 

A full list of casualties will be transmitted 
as soon as possible, together with a detailed 
report, in which I shall endeavor to do justice 
to all. 



On Sept. 3d, Gen. Pope made an official re- 
port, of which tlie following is an abstract, 
detailing his operations, extending over a 
period of seventeen days, prior to his being 
relieved at his own request of the command of 
the army of Virginia : 

I have the honor to submit the following 
brief sketch of the operations of the army, 
since the 9th of August : 

I moved from Sperryville, Little Washing- 



ton and Warrenton, with the corps of Banks 
and Sigel, and one division of McDowell's 
corps, numbering in all 30,000 men, to meet 
the enemy, who had crossed the Rapidan, 
and was advancing upon Culpepper. The 
movement towards Gordonsville had com- 
pletely succeeded in drawing ofi" a large force 
from Richmond, and in relieving the army of 
the Potomac from much of the dangers which 
threatened its withdrawal from the peninsula. 
The action of August 6th, at Cedar Moun- 
tain, with the forces under Jackson, which 
compelled his retreat across the Rapidan, 
made necessary still further reinforcements 
of the enemy from Richmond, and by this 
time, it being apparent that the army of the 
Potomac was evacuating the peninsula, the 
whole force of the enemy around Richmond 
was pushed forward with great rapidity to 
crush the army of Virginia before the forces 
evacuating the peninsula could be united 
with it. , 

I remained at Cedar Mountain, and still 
threatened to cross the Rapidan, until the 
17th of August, at which time Gen. Rob- 
ert Lee had assembled in our front, and 
within eight miles, nearly the whole of the 
rebel army. As soon as I ascertained this 
fact, and knew that the army of the Potomac 
was no longer in danger, I drew back my 
whole force across the Rappahannock, on the 
night of the 17th and day of the l8th, with- 
out loss of any kind, and one day in advance 
of Gen. Lee's proposed movements against me. 
The enemy immediately appeared in my 
front at Rappahannock Station, to pass the 
river at that bridge and the numerous fords 
above and below, but without success. _ The 
line of the Upper Rappahannock, which I 
had been ordered to hold, that the enemy 
might be delayed long enough in his advance 
upon Washington, to enable the forces from 
the peninsula to land and effect a junction 
with me, was very weak, as it crossed at 
almost any point above the railroad bridge, 
by good fords. By constant vigilance and 
activity, and much severe fighting for three 
days, the enemy were gradually forced 
around from the railroad crossing to Water- 
loo bridge, west of Warrenton. 

Meantime my force had been much reduced 
by loss in battle, and by fatigue and expos- 
ure, so that although I had been joined by a 
detachment under General Reno, and the 
other division of McDowell's corps, my force 
barely numbered 40,000 men. On the 22d a 
heavy rain fell, which rendered the fords of 
the river impassable for twenty-four hours. 
As soon as I discovered this, I concentrated 
my forces and marched rapidly upon Sulphur 
Springs and Waterloo bridge, to drive back 
the forces of the enemy which had succeeded 
in crossing at these points. This was suc- 
cessfully accomplished, and the bridges de- 
stroyed. I passed one day, or rather part 
of one, at Warrenton and beyond. 



90 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



The enemy still continued to move slowly 
around, along the river, masking every ford 
with artillery and heavy forces of infantry, so 
that it was impossible for me to attack him, 
even with the greatly inferior forces under 
my command, without passing the river over 
fords strongly guarded, in the face of very 
superior numbers. The movement of Jack- 
son through White Plains and in the direction 
of Thoroughfare Gap, while the main body of 
the enemy confronted me at Sulphur Springs 
and Waterloo Bridge, was well known to me, 
but I relied confidently upon the forces which 
I had been assured would be sent from Alex- 
andria, and one heavy division which I had 
ordered to take post in the woods at Manas- 
sas Junction. 

I was entirely under the belief that these 
would be there, and it was not until I found 
my communications intercepted, that I was 
undeceived. I knew that this movement was 
no raid, and that it was made by not less 
than 25,000 men. By this time the army 
corps of Heintzelman, about 10,000 strong, 
had reached Warrenton Junction. One divi- 
sion of it, I think, on the very day of attack. 
But they came without artillery, with only 
forty rounds of ammunition to the man, with- 
out wagons, and even the field and general 
officers without horses. 

Fitz-John Porter also arrived at Bealton 
Station, near Rappahannock river, with one 
of his divisions, 4500 strong ; whilst his 
other division was still at Barnett's and Kel- 
ley's fords. I directed that corps, about 
8000 strong, to concentrate immediately at 
Warrenton Junction, where Heintzelman al- 
ready was. This was accomplished on the 
evening of the 26th. As soon as it became 
known to me that Jackson was on the rail- 
road, it became apparent that the Upper Rap- 
pahannock was no longer tenable. 

I could not send a sufficient body of men to 
meet Jackson, and at the same time attempt 
to confront the main body of the enemy. I 
accordingly at once evacuated Warrenton 
and Warrenton Junction, directing McDowell 
with his own corps and Sigel's, and the divi- 
sion at Reynolds, to march rapidly by the 
turnpike to Gainesville, so as to intercept any 
reinforcements coming to the enemy by the 
way of Thoroughfare Gap, and instructing 
Gen. Reno with his command, and Kearney 
with one division of Heintzelman's, to march 
on Greenwich, so as to support McDowell in 
case of necessity. 

With Hooker's division of Heintzelman's 
corps, I moved along the railroad upon Man- 
assas Junction, near Kettle Run. Hooker 
came upon the advance of Ewell's rebel divi- 
sion on the afternoon of the 27th. A severe 
action took place, which terminated at dark, 
Ewell being driven from the field with the 
loss of his camp and three hundred killed and 
wounded. The unfortunate oversight of not 
having more than forty rounds of ammunition 



became at once alarming. At nightfall 
Hooker had but about five rounds to the man 
left. As soon as 1 learned this, I sent back 
orders to Gen. Fitz-John Porter to march back 
with his corps at 1 o'clock that night, so as 
to be with Gen. Hooker at daylight next 
morning. 

The distance was nine miles, and he received 
the dispatch at 9.50 o'clock, but did not reach 
the ground until after ten o'clock the next 
morning. He can probably explain better 
than I can the reason for this delay. Fortu- 
nately, General Hooker had handled the ene- 
my so severely the evening before, and the 
movement of McDowell had began to be so 
apparent, that the enemy, fearful of being 
surrounded, had retired precipitately from 
Manassas Junction ; directing his retreat 
through Centreville, as Reno, McDowell and 
Kearney had made the road through Gaines- 
ville impracticable. 

I immediately pushed forward to Manassas 
and thenoe to Centreville, which place was 
occupied by Kearney that night, only a few 
hours after the enemy had left it. Gen. Reno 
had reached Manassas Junction, and General 
Fitz-John Porter was immediately ordered 
from Broad Run, where he had stopped. 
McDowell's movement, conducted with speed 
and vigor, had been completely successful; 
the enemy being intercepted at Gainesville, 
and part of his forces driven back through 
Thoroughfare Gap. 

AVith King's division and Sigel's corps, 
McDowell continued to march along the turn- 
pike towards Centreville, leaving General 
Ricketts, with his division, in observation 
of Thoroughfare Gap. Late in the evening, 
on the 28th, McDowell advanced Gibbon's 
brigade near the front of the enemy retiring 
from Centreville, and about six miles from 
that place. A very sharp skirmish here took 
place, ended by the darkness, in which the 
brigade of Gen. Gibbon behaved very hand- 
somely, and suflfered heavy loss. Gen. Sigel 
was near at hand with his corps, but did not 
join the action. 

I instructed Gen. Kearney to move forward 
at early dawn of day, toward Gainesville, to 
be followed closely by Hooker and Reno, and 
engage the enemy thus placed between Mc- 
Dowell and Sigel ; Heintzelman and Reno on 
the east, and Fitz-John Porter on the south. 
I also instructed Gen. Porter, with his own 
corps, and King's division, which had, for 
some reason, fallen back from the Warrenton 
turnpike towards Manassas Junction, to move 
at daylight in the morning upon Gainesville, 
along the Manassas Gap railroad, until they 
communicated closely with the forces under 
Gen. Heintzelman and Sigel, cautioning them 
not to go further than was necessary to effect 
this junction, as we might be forced to retire 
behind Bull Run that night, for subsistence, 
if nothing else. 

Gen. Heintzelman marched early from 



SKETCHES OP ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



91 



Centreville towards Gainesville, closely fol- 
lowed by Reno. Meantime, shortly after 
daylight, Sykes' and Reynolds' divisions of 
McDowell's corps became engaged with the 
enemy, who was brought to a stand. Heint- 
zelman and Reno soon after came up, when 
the entire line became actively engaged. 
Porter marched as directed, followed by 
King's division, which was, by this time, 
joined by Rickett's division, which had been 
forced back from Thoroughfare Gap by the 
heavy forces of the enemy advancing to the 
support of Jackson. 

As soon as I found that the enemy had been 
brought to a halt, and was being vigorously 
attacked along the Warrenton turnpike, I sent 
orders to Gen. McDowell to advance rapidly 
on our left and attack the enemy on his flank, 
extending his right to meet Reynolds' left, 
and to Gen. Porter to keep his right well 
closed on McDowell's left, and to attack the 
enemy in flank and rear, while he was pushed 
in front. This would have made the line of 
battle of McDowell and Porter at right angles 
to that of the other forces engaged. This ac- 
tion raged furiously all day, McDowell, al- 
though previously in rear of Porter, bringing 
his whole corps on the field in the afternoon, 
and taking a conspicuous part in the opera- 
tions of the day. 

To my surprise and disappointment I re- 
ceived, late in the afternoon, from Gen. Por- 
ter, a note saying that his advance had met 
the enemy on the flank, in some force, and 
that he was retiring on Manassas Junction, 
without engaging the enemy or coming to the 
assistance of our other forces, although they 
were engaged in a furious action, only two 
miles distant and in full hearing of him. A 
portion of his forces fell back toward Manas- 
sas, while he remained, as he afterwards in- 
formed me, where he was, looking on the ene- 
my during the afternoon of Friday and part 
of the same night, passing down in plain view 
to reinforce the troops under Jackson, with- 
out an efi"ort to prevent it or assist us. 

One of his brigades, under Gen. Griffin, got 
round to Centreville, and remained there dur- 
ing the whole of the next day's battle, without 
coming on the field, though in full view of the 
battle which was raging ; while Gen. Griffin 
himself spent the day in making ill-natured 
strictures upon the general commanding, in 
the presence of a promiscuous assemblage. 
Darkness closed the action on Friday, the 
enemy being driven back from his position by 
Heintzelman's and Reno's corps, and by a fu- 
rious attack along the turnpike by King's di- 
vision and McDowell's corps, the enemy 
leaving his dead and wounded on the battle- 
field. 

I do not hesitate to say that if the corps of 
Porter had attacked the enemy in flank on the 
afternoon of Friday, as he had ray written or- 
ders to do, we should have crushed the enemy 
before the forces under Lee could have joined 



them. Why he did not do so I cannot under- 
stand. Our meti, much worn down by hard 
service and continued fighting, for many pre- 
vious days and nights, and very short of pro- 
visions, rested on their arms. Our horses had 
not had forage for ten days. 

I had telegraphed and written frequently 
for rations and forage to be sent us ; but on 
Saturday morning, before the action was re- 
sumed, I received a letter from Gen. Frank- 
lin, written the day previous from Alexandria, 
stating that he had been directed by Gen. Mc- 
Clellan to inform me that rations and forage 
for my command would be loaded into cars and 
available wagons as soon as I would forward a 
cavalry escort to Alexandria to bring them up. 
All hope of being able to maintain my position, 
whether victorious or not, vanished with this 
information. 

My cavalry was utterly broken down by long 
and constant service in the face of the enemy, 
and, bad as they were, could not be spared 
from the front, even if there had been time to 
go back thirty miles to Alexandria and await 
the loading of the trains. I at once under- 
stood that we must, if possible, finish what- 
ever we had to do that day, or night would 
find us behind Bull Run, if we wished to save 
men and animals from starvation. The ene- 
my's large reinforcements having reached him 
on Friday afternoon and night, he begun to 
mass on his right, for the purpose of crushing 
our left and occupying the road leading to 
Centreville, in our rear. 

His heaviest assault was made about five 
o'clock in the afternoon. When, after over- 
whelming Gen. Fitz-John Porter's forces, and 
driving him back on the centre and left, mass 
after mass of the enemy's forces were pushed 
against our left. A terrific contest, with great 
slaughter, was carried on for several hours, 
our men behaving with firmness and gallantry, 
under the immediate command of Gen. Mc- 
Dowell. When night closed our left was 
forced back about half a mile, but still re- 
mained firm and unbroken, while the right 
held its ground. 

Gen. Franklin, with his corps, arrived after 
dark at Centreville, six miles in our rear; 
whilst Gen. Sumner was four miles behind 
Franklin. I could have brought up these 
corps in the morning in time to have renewed 
the action, but men and horses were com- 
pletely exhausted for the want of sufficient 
food. I accordingly retired to Centreville 
that night, in perfect order. Neither on Sun- 
day or Monday did the enemy make any ad- 
vance upon us. On Monday I sent to the ar- 
my corps commanders for their eff"ective 
strength, which, all told, fell short of 60,000 
men. 

The enemy, during Monday, again began to 
move slowly around to our right, for the pur- 
pose of possessing Fairfax Courthouse, and 
thus turning our rear. A portion of Sumner's 
division had been left there, and I sent General 



92. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



Hooker, on Monday afternoon, to take com- 
mand and post himself at or in front of Ger- 
mantown ; at the same time directing McDow- 
ell to take position along the turnpike from 
Centreville to Fairfax Courthouse, about ten 
miles west of the latter place. Heintzelman 
was directed to post himself in the rear and 
support of Reno, who was pushed north of the 
road at a point about three miles east of Cen- 
treville, and to cover the road. 

It was my purpose in the course of the 
night to mass my command on the right, in 
the direction of Germantown, where I felt con- 
vinced the next attack of the enemy would be 
made. Late in the afternoon on Monday the 
enemy made his demonstration upon German- 
town, but was met by Hooker at that place, 
and by Reno, reinforced by Kearney, further 
west. The battle was very severe, though of 
short duration, the enemy being driven back 
one mile, with heavy loss, leaving his dead 
and wounded. In this short action we lost 
two of our most valuable and distinguished 
officers, Generals Kearney and Stevens. 

By morniijg the whole of my command was 
massed behind diflBcult creeks, between Flint 
Hill and the Warrenton turnpike, with the ad- 
vance under Hooker in front of Germantown. 
With the exception of Gen. Sumner, the com- 
manders of the army of the Potomac had con- 
tinued to inform me that their commands had 
been demoralized ever since they had left Har- 
rison's Landing ; that they had no spirit and 
no disposition to fight. 

This latter statement their conduct in the 
various actions fully contradicted. But the 
straggling in those corps was distressing. I 
received oi-ders on Tuesday afternoon to re- 
tire to the entrenchments near Washington, 
which was accordingly done, in good order 
and not the slightest loss. Gen. Banks, who 
had been left with the railroad trains, cut oflF 
at Bristow, by the burning of the bridge, was 
oi-dered to join me on Monday at Centreville, 
which he did on the afternoon of that day. 

This brief summary will explain sufiBciently 
in detail the entire operations of the forces un- 
der my command, during sixteen days of con- 
tinuous fighting by day and marching by 
night, to confront a powerful enemy with 
greatly inferior numbers. To fight him by 
day without the loss of the army ; to delay 
and embarrass his movements, and to force 
him, by persistent resistance, to adopt long 
and circuitous routes to his destination, are 
the duties which have been imposed upon me. 

They are, of all military operations, the 
most difiicult and the most harassing, both to 
a commander and to his troops. How far we 
have been successful, I leave to the judgment 
of my countrymen. The armies of Virginia 
and the Potomac have been united in the pres- 
ence and against the efforts of a wary and 
vigorous enemy, in greatly superior force, with 



no loss for which they did not exact full retri- 
bution. 

Among the officers whom I feel bound to 
mention with especial gratitude for their most 
hearty, cordial and untiring zeal and energy, 
are Generals Hooker, Kearney, McDowell, 
Banks, Reno, Heintzelman, and many others 
of inferior rank, whom I shall take great 
pleasure in bringing to the notice of the gov- 
ernment. The troops have exhibited wonder- 
ful patience and courage, and I cannot say too 
much for them. JOHN POPE, 

Major General Commanding. 

On Sept. 4th, Gen. Pope was assigned to 
the command of the Department of the North- 
west, consisting of Minnesota, Iowa and Wis- 
consin, and after a brief sojourn with his 
family in Cincinnati, proceeded to his new 
field, arriving at St. Paul and establishing his 
headquarters there, Sept. 16th, 1862. 

In passing through Chicago, Gen. Pope was 
serenaded, when he made his appearance on 
the balcony of the hotel, and, after the most 
vociferous applause from the assembled thou- 
sands, spoke as follows : 

"My friends — I am glad to see you to-night. 
I am glad to be back to breathe again the pure 
air of the State of Illinois. It has been for 
many years my home, and I am glad to return 
to it. God Almighty only knows how sorry I 
am I ever left it. The State of Illinois has 
poured forth men to this war in a noble way, 
that has been attested by the bones of her 
children who have perished upon the battle- 
field. I am proud of them ; I cannot express 
to you how proud I feel of the noble conduct 
of the men of Illinois. It is in keeping with 
the past history of the State. It was with 
great regret I left the noble army in the West, 
which was not long since under my command. 
They were brave men and gallant soldiers. I 
wanted no higher position. I asked none, 
than to be at the head of the gallant army, 
upon whose banner were engraved the names 
of New Madrid, Island 10, of Donelson and of 
Shiloh. I could have wished that I might have 
been permitted to have remained with them. 

"]\Iy friends, I could tell a sad story to you 
to-night, of recent events, but it is wiser and 
better that I should not tell it. I am a soldier 
and recognize a soldier's duty. My services 
and my life are at the disposal of the Govern- 
ment, and God knows how gladly I will render 
up both in its behalf. I have but little to say 
to-night. I have no desire to speak of the past. 
AVhatever wrong may have been done me, I 
make no complaint. This is not the place to 
correct. My record is before the people. The 
popular voice is the best judge, and with them 
I am willing to leave it." 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS, 



98 



OEIV. HXJRLBUT. 



Major Gen. Stephen A. Huelbut was born 
at Charleston, S. C, November 29, 1815. His 
father was a Unitarian clergyman, and from 
him he received his education. He read law 
in the oflBce of James L. Pettigrew, of Charles- 
ton, and practiced in that city for some time. 
Upon the breaking out of the Florida war, he 
enlisted in a South Carolina regiment, and was 
elected Adjutant, in which position he served 
through the campaign, but was not in any very 
great battle. In 1845, he removed to Illinois, 
and engaged in the practice of his profession 
in Belvidere, Boone county, which is still his 
home. He was a prominent member of the 
Constitutional Convention of Illinois in 1847, 
and has several times represented his county 
with great ability in the Legislature. He was 
appointed a Brigadier General by President 
Lincoln, in May, 1861, and was commandant 
of the post of Fort Donelson for a time after 
its capture. When Gen. Grant's army moved 
up the Tennessee river. Gen. Hurlbut was 
placed in command of the 4th division, com- 
prising twelve regiments of infantry, six 
companies of cavalry and three batteries of 
artillery, and with his division was the first 
to land at Pittsburgh Landing, and for a week 
held it alone. His division was posted paral- 
lel with the river, one mile and a half inward, 
the flanks resting on ravines, with a battery 
of artillery on either flank and in the centre, 
with a reserve of cavalry and two regiments 
of infantry, which position it maintained un- 
til that fierce battle began. When additional 
troops came, they were pushed miles further 
to the front, Gen. Prentiss' division of green 
troops occupying the extreme front of our 
army ; and if there be any fault of a surprise, 
it in no manner rested upon Gen. Hurlbut, or 
the gallant soldiers or ofiicers under his com- 
mand. The following description, from the 
pen of one of the General's aids, gives a 
graphic account of the part taken by him and 
his division in the desperate battle of Shiloh : 

"On Sunday morning, the 6th inst., at 
about 8^ o'clock, it was fii'st known that Gen. 
Hurlbut's headquarters that there were any 
signs of an attack by the enemy upon our 
lines, and in five minutes more a courier came 
post haste, stating that Gen. Prentiss was en- 
gaging the enemy. Gen. Hurlbut immediately 



ordered tbe long beat in his division, and 
within ten minutes the whole division was 
under arms, the General and his stafi" mount- 
ed, and an order to send one brigade to the 
support of Gen. McClernand, which was des- 
patched, and the two other brigades led in 
person by Gen. Hurlbut, with six companies 
of cavalry and two of artillery, to the support 
of Gen. Prentiss. The column had not ad- 
vanced above half a mile on the march out 
before it met the entire division of General 
Prentiss drifting in upon us in full retreat. 
***** One battery of Gen. Prentiss' 
artillery was turned about by Gen. Hurlbut, 
and given a splendid position to play upon the 
advancing columns of the enemy, but after 
one fire, the whole battery, cannoneers and 
postillions, left guns and horses, and fled in 
the wildest confusion. The boys of Mann's 
battery, in Gen. Hurlbut's division, left their 
battery and spiked the guns so deserted, cjit 
the horses loose, and broke the coupling to 
the gun carriages. Here we met Gen. Pren- 
tiss, a brave ofiicer, who, at the request of 
Gen. Hurlbut, led up one of his brigades, and 
Gen. Hurlbut the other, forming a line of bat- 
tle to stop the advancing foe, while the staflF 
of Gen. Prentiss tried with only partial suc- 
cess to rally his division in a line behind ours, 
and in our support. Our batteries were soon 
playing upon the enemy, and theirs upon us, 
and shot and shell flew thick and fast, the 
enemy firing from superior rifled guns, and 
their cannoneers evidently understanding their 
business well. Mann's battery was served 
with superior skill, and did most terrible exe- 
cution. Their columns were soon close enough 
for musket range, and the enemy boldly ad- 
vancing, a terrible fire of small arms was 
opened along the whole line, while the artil- 
lery poured grape and canister into their 
ranks, the enemy stoutly resisting, embold- 
ened by their previous success in driving the 
division of Gen. Prentiss, after their surprise. 
Gen. Hurlbut mounted on his grey horse 
with shabrack, sash, uniform and trappings, 
a prominent mark for the enemy's fire, rode 
backward and forward along the line, entirely 
heedless of the storm of bullets that he was 
drawing about himself, encouraging his men 
a,nd directing their movements. When cau- 
tioned that his prominent appearance wag 
drawing the enemy's fire, he only remarked, 
' Oh, well, we Generals must take our chances 
with the boys.' The enemy soon found they 
had new troops to encounter, and, falling 
back, planned their attack more skilfully, 
bringing to their assistance more batteries of 
artillery. Wherever a new battery opened, 
there rode Gen. Hurlbut, dire.cting the plant- 
ing of a new battery to meet its fire. Occa- 
sionally, under the fire of some battery, a 
terrible assault with musketry would come 



94 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



from the enemy upon some supposed weak 
point of our lines, to be met by the steady, 
stern resistance of the brave troops under his 
command, and for five hours Gen. Hurlbut, 
■with those two light brigades, and without 
support, not only stopped the enemy, flushed 
with victory, but successfully held him in 
checlj, checkmating his generalship, and 
driving him back wherever he chose to assault 
our lines, and only fell back at last when the 
enemy by his superior numbers was enabled 
to outflank on either side and place him with- 
in the range of three fires ; and even in the 
falling back giving him as good as he sent, 
forming new lines of battle on every position 
that the ground made favorable, and contest- 
ing his advance inch by inch. Gen. Hurlbut 
formed his last line about 4 o'clock p. m., 
flanking the large siege guns, planted about 
half a mile from the river bank, and planting 
his light artillery and all he could pick up in 
three different positions, so as to open a cross 
fire from three ways upon the enemy, he de- 
termined to stand by those as his last hope. 
Scarcely were his preparations ready when 
the enemy appeared above the brow of the 
hill, but was quickly driven back by the con- 
centrated fire of those screaming batteries, 
and each time as he advanced, it was only to 
retire again under that murderous storm of 
iron missiles. The gunboats getting the 
range of the enemy's lines, chimed in with 
their heavy booming, a music that was joy to 
our boys, and with their massive shells, sent 
havoc into the enemy's lines. Night soon 
closed in upon the scene, and by order of Gen. 
Grant, Gen. Hurlbut moved forward his line 
of battle about three hundred feet, into the 
ravine in front of the batteries, where the or- 
der was given to lay upon their arms all night, 
sending out skirmishers — prepared at any 
moment to resist an attack by the enemy, 
while the gunboats kept up their fire with 
their heavy guns, throwing shells alternately 
of 12 and 20 second fuse up the ravine and in 
front of our lines, and effectually keeping the 
enemy from making any advance. Too much 
credit cannot be given these iron clad monsters 
of the river, that send terror into the ranks of 
the ' secesh ' wherever their heavy voices are 
heard, as well by the loud noise they make, as 
by the terrible execution they do. During the 
night, Gen. Lew. Wallace, with his entire divi- 
sion, reinforced us from Crump's Landing, and 
Gen. Buell crossed over to our assistance. 
These new troops took the advance in the 
morning, Gen. Wallace on the right and Gen. 
Buell on the left, and steadily drove the 
enemy before them, with the assistance of the 
troops yet left, by the most desperate and 
heroic bravery ever evinced by any army. 
Gen. Hurlbut got his division in fighting trim 
early after breakfast, and I rode along in front 
of the lines with him. Many familiar faces 
had gone since the morning before. Col. Ellis 
and Maj. Goddard, of the 15th Illinois, killed 



dead upon the field, and that gallant regiment, 
led by Capt. Kelly, only about two hundred 
strong. The 3d Iowa had all of its field 
oflBcers killed or wounded, and all its captains 
killed, wounded, or missing, and less than 
two hundred strong, were in command of a 
first lieutenant as ranking ofiicer. An order 
soon came to Gen. Hurlbut to support Mc- 
Clernand's right, and Gen. Hurlbut put his 
division in motion, himself at its head, and 
pushing forward was met by an aid of Gen. 
McClernand and directed to his left, where 
the enemy was flanking Gen. McClernand's 
division, and arrived just in time to save his 
left flank from being turned. The writer was 
in the engagement at Fort Donelson, and sup- 
posed that he had passed through as terrible 
a fire as it was possible to do and escape, but 
he has to confess that the assault of the rebels 
in their last efforts upon our lines was the 
most recklessly desperate of which the imagi- 
nation can conceive. It seemed as if the in- 
spiration of devils was infused into the ranks 
of both armies. Some of the ground in this 
vicinity was~fought over as often as six times, 
so desperately determined were each to main- 
tain it. Gen. Hurlbut, as was also Gen. Mc- 
Clernand, was always to be found where the 
fire was hottest, directing the movements, and 
lending encouragement by their presence. 
About this time Gen. Hurlbut's grey horse 
was shot, and he mounted a bay, and the writer 
confesses he was glad of it, for the General's 
sake, for the grey seemed to be a special mark. 
The enemy's effort seemed specially directed 
to flanking us, and he was ever attempting it, 
under the cover of the many hills and ravines; 
and at one time, within one hour, our line of 
battle changed front three times. So confi- 
dent were the enemy of victory on the night 
previous, when in possession of our tents, that 
they did not destroy them, being certain to 
keep them for his own use, and it is a well 
ascertained fact that Gen. Beauregard had 
his headquarters that night in the large office 
tent of Gen. Hurlbut, but save the holes torn 
by the bullets, it was uninjured, and occupied 
by Gen. Hurlbut on the following night. Al- 
though the enemy stoutly resisted, he was all 
the time driven back on Monday, and by 4 
o'clock P.M., his fire entirely ceased along our 
whole line, and our cavalry and artillery pur- 
suing him in his flight. Gen. Hurlbut was 
struck by a spent musket ball on his left arm, 
but save that received no injury. He had 
many narrow escapes. The writer saw a rifle 
shot strike a tree within a few feet of his 
head, eliciting the remark from him, ' They 
have our range pretty well.' At another time 
a shell burst within ten feet of him, but he 
was not scratched by it. His courage and 
coolness under fire, and his entire disregard 
for his personal safety, were remarked by all 
under him, and by his bravery and skill in 
this engagement, he has won the love and con- 
fidence of the brave troops of his command." 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



95 



For a long time, Gen. Sherman in command, 
and Gen. Hurlbut with his division, have been 
at Memphis. Quite recently, Gen. H., with 
his troops, moved to reinforce Gen. Grant, and 
is now leading his "fighting" 4th division 
near Bolivar, Tennessee. 

Gen. Hurlbut was recently promoted to a 
Major General, his commission to date from 
Sept. 17, 1862, and given for meritorious ser- 
vice at the battle of Shiloh. 

At the battle of the Hatchie, fought Oct. 6, 
Gen. Hurlbut, being in command of a large 
Union force, after seven hours' hard fighting, 
drove the rebels back five miles, capturing 



300 prisoners, two full batteries, and nearly 
100 stand of small arms. 

In a private letter to the author, a corre- 
spondent, who is well acquainted with Gen. 
Hurlbut, and who has been in the "cloud 
and lightning of battle" with him, says : "He 
is one of the most worthy men in the service. 
Not an officer or private in his whole division, 
that went through the fight in those fierce 
days of battle at Pittsburgh Landing with 
him, that doubts his military abitity or his 
courage, or that has not learned to love the 
General like a brother, and would risk life to 
defend his reputation from the least reproach." 



OEiv. i»alm:eii,. 



Brigadier General John MoCaulky Palmer 
was born in Christian county, Kentucky, Sep- 
tember 13, 1817. His education, which was 
extremely limited, was derived chiefly, not 
from teachers and schools, but from books, 
for which in his early life he displayed a 
strong love. He removed to Madison county, 
Illinois, in 1832, and in 1839, settled in Car- 
linville, his present residence. Here he com- 
menced the study of law, and was admitted 
to practice early in the year following. He 
was married, December 20, 1842, to Miss Ma- 
linda A. Neeley. In 1847, Mr. Palmer was 
elected a delegate to the State Constitution 
Convention, and in 1852 was elected to the 
State Senate to fill a vacancy caused by the 
death of Hon. Franklin Witt, and was an ac- 
tive member of that body during the sessions 
of 1852-3-4. In the autumn of 1854, he was 
re-elected to the same position for another 
year. In 1856, he was a delegate from Illi- 
nois to the National Republican Convention 
which convened at Philadelphia, and was one 
of the electors of the State at large to the 
Republican Convention which met at Chicago 
in 1860 and nominated Mr. Lincoln. la Janu- 



ary, 1861, Mr. Palmer was appointed by the 
Governor one of the five commissioners to the 
Conference Convention which met at Wash- 
ington, D. C, February 4, 1861, in conse- 
quence of the preamble and resolutions ad- 
opted by the General Assembly of Virginia. 
April, 1861, he was unanimously elected to 
the Colonelcy of the 14th Regiment Illinois 
Volunteers, and received his commission May 
18th. Col. Palmer was with his regiment in 
Missouri during the summer and autumn of 
1861, and was with Gen. Fremont in his ex- 
pedition to Springfield, Mo. December 13th, 
he was commissioned Brigadier General of 
Volunteers, and was attached to Gen. Pope's 
command at Commerce. He was with that 
General at the capture of New Madrid and 
Island No. 10, and accompanied him in his 
march to Corinth. Being in command of the 
1st brigade, 1st division of the army of the 
Mississippi, he took an active part in the bat- 
tle of Farmington. He is now with Gen. 
Grant's army, and still in command of the 
same brigade, but acting temporarily as com- 
mander of the division. 



96 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



OEIV. LOOAIV. 



Brigadier General John A. Logan was born 
in Jackson county, Illinois, February 9, 1826, 
near the present town of Murphysboro ; the 
town, however, was not built at that time. 
His father, Dr. John Logan, was of Irish de- 
scent, and emigrated at a very early age from 
Ireland to this country, and for a time lived 
in Maryland; removed thence to Ohio; thence 
to Missouri ; and from there to Illinois in the 
year 1823. His mother, whose maiden name 
was Elizabeth Jenkins, was from Tennessee, 
and was the mother of eleven children, of 
whom there are at this time six living, four 
sons and two daughters. The subject of this 
memoir is the eldest. John Alexander Logan, 
during his earlier years, had few opportunities 
of acquiring an education, as the country at 
that time afforded scarcely any schools. His 
father did what he could toward educating 
him as well as his other children, in sending 
them to the neighboring country schools, and 
occasionally hiring teachers for his family. 
John went to a school in the north-west part 
of Jackson county in 1840, to which was given 
the sounding name of Shiloh College, but 
which was in reality nothing more than a 
country academy. His remarkably tenacious 
memory enabled him to retain all he could 
learn at these schools. 

When the war broke out with Mexico in 
1844, although then but nineteen years of 
age, he volunteered, and was elected Lieu- 
tenant in a company commanded by James 
Hampton, from Jackson county, in the 1st 
Regiment Illinois Volunteers. With these he 
faithfully served his time out, acting part of 
the time as Adjutant of the regiment, and 
returned home in October, 1848. He then 
entered upon the study of law under his 
uncle, Alexander M. Jenkins (formerly Lieu- 
tenant Governor of Illinois, and now Judge 
of the 3d Judicial District), and while thus 
pursuing his studies, in November, 1849, was 
elected Clerk of his native county, which 
office he held till 1850. During the year, he 
went to Louisville, Ky., to attend the law 
lectures. In 1851, received his diploma, and 
immediately on his return home, began the 
practice of law in connection with his uncle. 
He rapidly rose in the practice of his profes- 



sion and popularity. In 1852, having been 
elected Prosecuting Attorney of the (then) 3d 
Judicial Circuit, he removed to Benton, Frank- 
lin county, Illinois, and in the fall of that 
year was elected to the Legislature of Illinois, 
representing the counties of Franklin and 
Jackson. 

On the 27t.h of November, 1855, he was 
married in Shawneetown to Miss Mary S. 
Cunningham, daughter of Capt. JohnW. Cun- 
ningham, formerly Register of the Land Office, 
Shawneetown, now Clerk of the Court of Wil- 
liamson county. In May, 1856, he was ap- 
pointed Presidential Elector for the 9th Con- 
gressional District ; and at the November 
election, was re-elected to the Legislature, 
which seat he filled with ability and credit to 
himself and constituents. In 1858, he was 
nominated and elected to Congress, by the 
Democracy from the 9th Congressional Dis- 
trict, over his Republican opponent, by a 
very large majority. In 1860, he was re- 
elected to Congress from the same district. 
In the winter of 1860, while he was in his 
seat at Washington, by the action of the 
Legislature, his county (Franklin) was thrown 
out of his old district (at that time including 
sixteen counties) and added to one running 
northward. After his return home, he re- 
moved to Marion, Williamson county, that he 
might still be in his district. 

Leaving his seat during the extra session 
of Congress, July, 1861, he entered the ranks 
of Col. Richardson's regiment, and displayed 
great bravery at the disastrous battle of Bull 
Run. He returned home the last of August, 
1861 ; and on the 3d of September, made a 
speech to his countrymen in Marion, declar- 
ing his intention to enter the service as a 
"private, or in any manner he could serve 
his country best in defending and bearing 
the old blood-stained flag over every foot of 
soil in the United States." The citizens of 
his Congressional district readily responded 
to his call for men to go with him, and on 
the 18th of September, the 31st Regiment was 
organized at Cairo and unanimously recom- 
mended him for their Colonel, from which 
date he held his commission. The regiment 
was attached to Gen. McClernand'a brigade, 




or. N. LOGAN. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



97 



and although only of about six weeks' drill, 
the heroic part taken by his regiment in the 
battle of Belmont on the 7th of November, 
1361, proves how active he had been in the 
instruction and discipline of his men. Col. L. 
had his horse shot under him and his pistol 
shattered at his side by a shot from the enemy, 
yet he escaped unhurt. He commanded his 
regiment through the most trying circum- 
stances in the rear of Fort Henry at the cap- 
ture of that post, and in command of 200 
cavalry, pursued and captured eight of the 
enemy's guns. Col. L. made several recon- 
noisances around Fort Donelson preparatory 
to our forces moving on that point, and during 
the three days' siege before the enemy's en- 
trenchments, he was constantly engaged. 
On the morning of the 15th of February, Lt. 
Col. John H. White unfortunately fell whilst 
aiding Col. Logan in rallying the men when 
their ammunition was nearly exhausted, to 
defend their position to the last, although 
they were hard pressed by a greatly superior 
force. Almost simultaneously with the death 
of Col. White, Col. Logan received a ball, 
entering in the fore part of the left arm near 
the point of the shoulder, passing round and 
out through the shoulder. Still he kept on, 
and by his intrepidity and daring kept their 
position until finally reinforcements were re- 
ceived, when he was forced to retire to have 
his wounds dressed, his men being fearful of 
the result, he having lost so much blood and 
near exhaustion. The regiment remained on 
the field under Capt. John Reese till the last 
gun was fired. Col. Logan remained pros- 
trate from his wound in the shoulder, lame- 
ness from being struck in the hip by two 
spent balls, and disease contracted by expos- 
ure for three weeks (his friends at one time 
despairing of his recovery), — yet he positively 
refused to leave his decimated and suffering 
regiment until they should have to some ex- 
tent recovered. On the 6th of March, 1862, 
he was confirmed a Brigadier General, and as 
soon as able reported to Gen. Grant at Pitts- 
burgh Landing, who assigned fo his command 
the 8th, 18th, 30th and 31st Illinois and 12th 
Michigan regiments, of which he retained 
command during the movement at Corinth, 
and could he have gotten leave, would have 
entered that place before the enemy could 
have made good their escape. Being satisfied 



they were vacating, he insisted in pressing 
on, but was not allowed by superior officers 
to go beyond the lines. From this place he 
commanded the division engaged in rebuilding 
the railroad to Jackson and Columbus. After 
the completion of the road, he was placed in 
command of the forces at Jackson, Tennessee, 
from which place, under date of August 26th, 
he sent the following patriotic letter to Hon. 
0. M. Hatch, Secretary of State, and read at 
the Illinois Union Convention, September, 
1862, declining to become a candidate for Con- 
gress for the State at large : 

"I have the honor to acknowledge the re- 
ceipt of your complimentary letter of the 18th 
inst., asking permission to use my name in 
connection with that of the Fourteenth Repre- 
sentative in Congress from the State of Illinois. 

" In reply, I would most respectfully remind 
you that a compliance with your request on 
my part would be a departure from the settled 
resolutions with which I resumed my sword in 
defense and for the perpetuity of a Govern- 
ment the likes and blessings of which no other 
nation or age shall enjoy, if once suffered to 
be weakened or destroyed. 

" In making this reply, I feel that it is un- 
necessary to enlarge as to what were, are, or 
may hereafter be, my political views, but 
would simply state that politics of every grade 
and character whatsoever are now ignored by 
me, since I am convinced that the Constitution 
and life of this Republic — which I shall never 
cease to adore — are in danger. 

" I express all mj' views and politics when 
I assert my attachment for the U7iion. I have 
no other politics now, and consequently no 
aspirations for civil place and power. 

" No ! I am to day a soldier of this Republic, 
so to remain, changeless and immutable until 
her last and weakest enemy shall have expired 
and passed away. 

"Ambitious men, who have not a true love 
for their country at heart, may bring forth 
crude and bootless questions to agitate the pulse 
of our troubled nation and thwart the preserva- 
tion of this Union, but for none of such am I. 
I have entered the field — to die if needs be — 
for this Government, and never expect to re- 
turn to peaceful pursuits until the object of 
this war of preservation has become a fact es- 
tablished. 

"Whatever means it may be necessary to 
adopt, whatever local interest it may affect or 
destroy, is no longer an affair of mine. If any 
locality or section suffers or is wronged in the 
prosecution of the war, I am sorry for it, but 
I say it must not be heeded now, for we are at 
war for the preservation of the Union. Let 
the evil be rectified when the present breach 
has been cemented forever. 

"If the South by her malignant treachery 
has imperiled all that made her great and 



98 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



wealthy, and it was to be lost, I would not 
stretch forth my hand to save her from destruc- 
tion, if she will not be saved by a restoration 
of the Union. Since the die of her wretched- 
ness has been cast by her own hands, let the 
coin of her misery circulate alone in her own 
dominions, until the peace of Union ameliorates 
her forlorn condition. 

" By these few words you may readily dis- 
cern that my political aspirations are things 
of the past, and I am not the character of man 
you seek. No legislation in which I might be 
suffered to take a feeble part, will in my opin- 
ion suffice to amend the injury already inflicted 
upon our country by these remorseless traitors. 
Their policy for the dissolution of the Govern- 
ment was initiated in blood, and their seditious 
blood only can suffice to make amends for the 
evil done. This Government must be preserved 
for future generations in the same mould in 
which it was transmitted to us, if it takes the 
last man and the last dollar of the present 
generation within its borders to accomplish it. 

"For the flattering manner in which you 



have seen fit to allude to my past services, I 
return you my sincere thanks ; but if it has 
been my fortune to bleed and suffer for my 
dear country, it is all but too little compared 
to what I am willing again and again to endure ; 
and should fate so ordain it, I will esteem it 
as the highest privilege a just Dispenser can 
award, to shed the last drop of blood in my 
veins for the honor of that flag whose emblems 
are justice, liberty and truth, and which has 
been, and as I humbly trust in God everwill 
be, for the right. 

"In conclusion, let me request that your 
desire to associate my name with the high and 
honorable position you would confer upon me 
be at once dismissed, and some more suitable 
and worthy person substituted. Meanwhile I 
shall continue to look with unfeigned pride 
and admiration on the continuance of the 
present able conduct of our State affairs, and 
feel that I am sufficiently honored while ac- 
knowledged as an humble soldier of our own 
peerless State." y 



COL. ATKIIVS. 



Smith D. Atkins, Colonel 92d Regiment 
Illinois Volunteers, was born in Horseheads, 
Chemung county, New York, June 9th, 1833. 
His father removed with his family to Illinois 
in 1848, and settled on a farm in Stephenson 
CO., where the subject of this sketch remained 
until 1851, when he went to Freeport, and 
learned the " art preservative of arts" in the 
office of the Prairie Democrat, then edited by 
J. 0. P. Burnside, now Lt. Col. 71st Illinois 
Volunteers. He afterwards entered the office 
of the Mount Morris Gazette at $2 per week, 
working four hours each day, and attending 
the Mt. Morris Seminary. Here he remained 
eighteen months, when he associated himself 
with C. C. Allen, now on Gen. Schofield's 
staff, and purchased the Gazette, removing the 
material to Savannah, and establishing the 
Savannah Gazette. In the spring of 1854, Mr. 
Atkins entered the office of Hiram Bright, 
attorney at Freeport, and began the study of 
law, and in the autumn of the year following 
was admitted to the bar. In 1856, he was 
elected States Attorney, on the Republican 
ticket, for the 14th Judicial District. April 
13th, 1861, while engaged in trying a cause in 
court, he was asked to write out a muster roll 



for volunteers under the three months call, 
which he did, at the same time signing it as 
a private. In twenty-four hours the company 
was full, and Mr. Atkins was elected Captain. 
They immediately marched to Camp Yates, 
Springfield, and became Company A of the 
11th Regiment, Col. W. H. L. Wallace. At 
the expiration of the three months, Capt. 
Atkins, with 38 of his company, re-enlisted 
for three years. He was with his regiment 
at Donelson, and acted well his part in that 
hotly-contested engagement. He was soon 
after detailed as Adjt. Gen. on Gen. S. A. 
Hurlbut's staff, and remained in that position 
until after the battle of Shiloh, when he was 
compelled by ill health to resign. He was 
promoted by Gov. Yates, to be Major of the 
11th, from Feb. 15th, for meritorious services 
at the battle of Fort Donelson, but his health 
would not admit of his accepting the commis- 
sion, which did not reach him until after he 
had resigned his Captaincy. His health be- 
ing restored, he raised a regiment under the 
call for 300,000 volunteers, and was, on the 
4th Sept., chosen Colonel of the 92d Illinois 
Volunteers, recently stationed at Rockford. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



99 



OEPf. COOK. 



Brigadier General John Cook was born in 
Belleville, St. Clair co., 111., June 12, 1825. 
About 1830, his family removed to Springfield, 
where he ever since resided, and is well known 
to every one, either by his fast horses or the 
fine dogs that follow him to the field. With a 
sportsman's taste, he has all the skill of a 
practiced hunter, and never fails to kill his 
share of the game. He comes of good old 
Sucker stock, having for a grandfather that 
Governor Edwards of whom Illinois may well 
be proud. His father was Daniel C. Cook, 
who formerly represented this State in Con- 
gress, and for whom the county of Cook was 
named. He is frequently mentioned in Ford's 
History as one of the most prominent men at 
an early day. Left an orphan in childhood, 
and heir to an estate which ensured him an 
ample fortune through life, it is no wonder 
that young Cook grew up with rather way- 
ward habits. Boys with such anticipations 
rarely ruin themselves with study, and Cook 
was no exception. He entered college at Jack- 
sonville, where he was idolized by the students, 
and acquired the reputation of being the wild- 
est boy in college ; but he did not stay to 
complete the course. His last year of college 
life Avas spent at Kemper College, near St. 
Louis, Mo. He entered public life in 1865 as 
Mayor of the city of Springfield. In this po- 
sition his abilities gained him a considerable 
"eputation as an executive officer. He was af- 
terwards elected Sheriff of Sangamon county, 
at a time when his party was in considerable 
minority. Ardently pursuing whatever he 
undertakes with untiring energy, Mr. Cook 
engaged in the war against the rebellion with 
a vigor and spirit that made him a favorite 
among the volunteers, and from being Captain 
of the first company, the " Springfield Zouave 
Greys," which was tendered to the Governor 
after the President's proclamation, he was 
chosen to be Colonel of the first regiment 
(known as the 7th) organized in Illinois, 
his commission bearing date April 26, 1861. 
Col. Cook was present at the capture of Fort 
Donelson, where he led a brigade under Gen. 
C. F. Smith. For gallantry displayed in that 
desperate action, he was made Brigadier Gen- 
eral, his commissiom dating from March 22, 



1862. In consequence of severe exposure at 
Donelson, Gen. Cook became seriously ill, and 
was compelled to return home to recuperate. 
While in Springfield, Gov. Yates testified his 
appreciation of Gen. Cook's services by pre- 
senting him with a sword, on which occasion 
the following correspondence took place : 

Springfield, March 29, 1862. 
Gen. John Cook: 

Dear Sir : On behalf of the State of Illi- 
nois, I present you this sword, as a memorial 
of her high appreciation for your distinguished 
and gallant conduct at the glorious battle of 
Fort Donelson. It is only justice to you and 
your brigade, to say that proud honors are 
yours and theirs, and that you are well wor- 
thy the thanks and gratitude of your noble 
and native State. 

I assure you that it affords me more pleas- 
ure to be the medium of presenting you this 
sword, because to my admiration of your gal- 
lant bearing as a soldier I can add the assur- 
ance of my high estimation of you as a true, 
noble and generous friend. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
RICHARD YATES, 

Governor of Illinois. 



Governor: In accepting this sword with 
its flattering inscription, I will not attempt to 
give expression to the gratitude and pride 
with which my heart is warmed by this token 
of the approbation of my beloved native State, 
and by your words of kindness and friend- 
ship. 

I beg to assure you that this testimonial will 
be regarded by me with the utmost gratifica- 
tion as a not undeserved attestation of your 
appreciation of the valor and patriotism of the 
soldiers of Illinois, with whom it has been my 
foi'tune to have been associated in some of the 
trials, toils and dangers that have crowned 
with success the loyal arms in vindication of 
that glorious and sacred cause which com- 
mands their fervid and exalted devotion — as 
well as your own, and that of the generous 
people you represent. 

May a speedy termination of this unhappy 
wai-, and the return of an honorable and happy 
peace, enable us all to sheath the sword, never 
again to draw it through a necessity like this 
— the most remarkable ever forced upon a 
faithful, impartial and just government. 

Once more I thank you, and, through you, 
the noble State of Illinois. JOHN COOK. 

Contrary to the advice of his physician, the 
prospect of a battle at Pittsburgh Landing in- 
duced him to return to the army, which he 
joined Sunday morning, April 6th. He was 
ordered to report to Gen. Prentiss for a com- 



100 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



mand. An unsuccessful search prevented his 
receiving one, Gen. Prentiss being then a 
prisoner. During both days he was upon the 
field, until obliged, from sickness and exhaus- 
tion, to leave it, and seek a tent, which for 
nine days he was unable to leave. Again he 
returned home, and remained until the last of 
May, when he was ordered to Washington by 
the Secretary of War, and assigned a command 
at Clouds Mills, Virginia. This, however, was 
more a camp of instruction than anything else, 
having various brigades at different times un- 
der his command, and occasionally as many 



as eight or ten thousand troops. His health 
still evidently failing, and being totally unfit 
for service, he was persuaded, much against 
his inclination, to listen and abide by the de- 
cision of surgeons, who thought him uselessly 
sacrificing health and life by remaining, and 
urged his speedy resignation and return home. 
He followed their advice as far as to return to 
Springfield, and his health being greatly re- 
stored, he received orders Sept. 29th to report 
for duty to Maj. Gen. Pope, and immediately 
thereafter proceeded to his new field of oper- 
ations. 



OOL. JEIVKIIVS. 



David P. Jenkins was born on a farm near 
Mt. Pleasant, Jefiferson Co., Ohio, August 25, 
1823, of orthodox Quaker parents. He was 
educated at a Quaker seminary and a high 
school at Mt. Pleasant. For two years, from 
the age of 17 to 19, he spent among the pio- 
neers of the West, teaching school and hunting. 
The religious prejudices of his parents pre- 
vented his going to the West Point Military 
Academy, as he desired. After studying law 
in the office of the late Hon. Samuel Stokeley, 
then one of the prominent lawyers and poli- 
ticians of Ohio, he, in the fall of 1814, went to 
Cincinnati, and attended law lectures, gi-adu- 
ating in March, 1845. He then went to La- 
fayette, Ind., and began the pi'actice of law. 
From there, after a brief residence, he returned 
to Cincinnati, where he remained two years, 
and then removed to Lasalle, Illinois, in the 
fall of 1852. While the public works were 
being constructed in the neighborhood of La- 
salle, he raised a company of infantry, for the 
purpose of suppressing riots which occurred 
among the laborers. 

On the breaking out of the present rebellion, 
he organized a company of cavalry, but was 
not accepted. When the Governor appointed 
field ofiicers for the 1st Cavalry regiment. Col. 
Marshall, he was appointed Major, to rank 



from 1st July, 1861, and joined his command 
that month. He held separate command in 
the two fights at Lexington, Mo., in Sept., 
1861. He was one of the commissioners that 
negotiated the surrender. He was exchanged 
the following November, and assumed command 
of two companies at Bird's Point, Mo., Dec. 
1st, 1861. He spent the winter and spring in 
that part of the State. When Gen.iPope com- 
menced his march on New Madrid, Major 
Jenkins joined him, and was in command of 
the only cavalry that advanced on the left 
wing of the army at that place. He was re- 
lieved from duty with Pope's army, and or- 
dered to the command of the 1st battalion of 
the regiment, then in South Missouri, on the 
road from Rolla to Batesville, where he served 
in command of two Government posts on the 
route of the army supplies to Curtis' army, 
Northern Arkansas. The regiment was mus- 
tered out of service about the middle of July 
last. 

Col. Jenkins is now actively engaged in 
recruiting and organizing the 14th Regiment 
Illinois Cavalry, for which he has received 
authority from the War Department. The 
14th will probably be ready to take the field 
with his regiment by Nov. 15th, 1862. 




COL. STEWART. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



101 



COL. STETTAHT. 



Col. Warren Stewart was born in Camp- 
bell, Steuben county, N. Y., February 11, 1813. 
He went to St. Louis in 1835, and from there 
removed to Texas in 1838. A few years later 
he returned and settled in Southern Illinois, 
and now resides at Clear Creek Landing, Alex- 
ander county, where he was engaged in pur- 
chasing and forwarding produce. Upon the 
receipt of the news of the attack upon Fort 
Sumter, he called a meeting of the inhabitants 
of his vicinity to sustain the Government, and 
called upon the citizens to come forward and 
enroll their names. One hundred and thirty 
signed the roll and were sworn in at the meet- 
ing. Propositions were made to Mr. Stewart 
to join a force to be raised in Missouri to cap- 
ture the small body of Union troops at Cairo. 
His reply was, " That he would meet them at 
the river and contest their passage." At this 
time Capt. Stewart had been furnished with 
arms by the Governor for the purpose. On 
the 3d of August, 1861, Gen. Fremont's atten- 
tion was called to his activity in defending Gir- 
ardeau, Mo., before that city was occupied by 
the U. S. forces, and he urged him to enter the 
cavalry service, and authorized him to raise a 
company. On August 10th, he had his com- 
pany mustered into service, and soon cleared 
the country of Jeflf. Thompson and his rebel 
band. In September, he was ordered by Gen. 
Grant to Norfolk, six miles below Bird's Point. 
At this time, Jefl". Thompson, with 1800 infan- 
try and 700 cavalry, were at Belmont, and 
Pillow at Columbus, Ky., with 20,000 men. 
Col. Oglesby was in command at Norfolk with 
Stewart's cavalry and the 8th and 22d regi- 
ments. Capt. Stewart was sent out every day 
to feel the enemy near Belmont, and had seve- 
ral engagements with them, in all of which he 
was successful. In one of these engagements 
he charged in advance of his men and was sur- 
rounded by the rebels, but he routed them, 
piercing two of them through the body with 
his sabre. He was then ordered to Charles- 
ton, and was at Likeston, drove in Thomp- 
son's pickets, and having learned his exact po- 
sition, urged our forces to attack him, but he 
left the next day for Fredericktown, Missouri. 
Capt. Stewart was then ordered back to Cape 
Girardeau to take command of the advance cav- 



alry guard under command of Col. Plummer, 
with 1200 infantry, 90 cavalry, and a section 
of Taylor's Chicago Battery, destined for Fred- 
ericktown. On the 21st of October, at one 
o'clock p. M., Capt. Stewart discovered that 
the bushes did not look natural. He ordered 
a halt, threw the fences down, and ordered the 
cavalry from the lane, and then notified Col. 
Plummer that the enemy vrere present. While 
Col.Plummer was ordering the artillery into po- 
sition, Capt. Stewart advanced and discovered 
the ambush and miraculously escaped their 
fire. On reporting to Col. Plummer, Col. P. 
said to him, " if the enemy are not here in 
force we are making great fools of ourselves." 
At this moment they opened fire from a twelve 
pounder, striking within two feet of them. 
Capt. Stewart then asked if his doubts were 
removed ; his reply was, " Capt. S. you have 
an eagle's eye, go to the right with your caval- 
ry and prevent my being flanked." The battle 
then commenced. The enemy being completely 
routed, Capt. Stewart followed in pursuit ten 
miles, scattering their forces and taking many 
of them prisoners. Col. Plummer, in his re- 
port, made honorable mention of his valuable 
services, and also recommended him in person 
to Gens. Grant and McClernand. He was then 
ordered to Cairo and placed in command of a 
batallion of cavalry under Gen. McClernand, 
and detailed upon his Staff. On the expedi- 
tion into Kentucky, in January, 1862, he com- 
manded the advance to the abatis, at Colum- 
bus, and drove in the enemy's pickets, and with 
thirty men took the town of Milburn. He was 
present at Fort Henry, and on February 8th, 
approached near the works of Fort Donelson. 
Between the two posts he, with the late Capt. 
Carson, alone attacked a large body of rebel 
cavalry, and held them at bay, by stratagem, 
until joined by his men, when he made a gal- 
lant charge, taking twenty-six prisoners and 
killing several. At the battle of Fort Donelson 
on the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th of February, 
as Aid to Gen. McClernand, he was continu- 
ally under fire. In March he was with the 
troops sent up the Tennessee river. At Shiloh, 
April 6th, when it became necessary to ascer- 
tain the exact position of the enemy. Major 
Stewart went forward to reconnoitre, fell iu 



102 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICEES. 



with them, and learned their position, and was 
' saluted with a volley from a full regiment. His 
report enabled Gen. McClernand to place his 
men in such a position as to entirely defeat the 
enemy in his effort to flank the 1st division. 
He led the 13th Missouri Regiment to charge 
— his horse was shot and ran with him the en- 
tire length of the line between the fire of the 
Union and rebel troops. He was then sent to 
support a portion of the line which was waver- 
ing under the attack of an overwhelming force, 
when he was struck with a ball which broke 
his skull and compelled him to leave the field. 
In May he was with the reserve that advanced 
upon Corinth. Two days before the evacuation, 
Gen. McClernand said to him, "I believe the 
enemy are evacuating ; can't you ascertain?" 
He then went forward and had his pickets ad- 
vanced, drove the enemy from his front, discov- 
ered their works, and found there were no 



guns or men, thereby confirming Gen. McCler- 
nand's surmises. In June he was put in com- 
mand of the cavalry, and advanced on Jackson, 
Tennessee, and put to flight the cavalry in that 
vicinity. In one of his numerous engagements 
in the heart of Western Tennessee, he attacked 
and defeated the celebrated Jackson cavalry, 
when greatly outnumbered by them. 

In September, 1862, Major Stewart accom- 
panied Gen. McClernand to Springfield, where 
he is now engaged in organizing the 16th Regi- 
ment of Illinois Cavalry, authority having been 
given to him by the Government to increase his 
batallion to a regiment. Col. Stewart, who is 
Chief of Gen. McClernand's Staff, and has for 
a long time been his Chief of Cavalry, is con- 
sidered one of the most dashing oflScers in the 
service, and has always been a great favorite 
in the army. 



COL. r>Avis. 



He that dies in an earnest pursuit, is like one that is 
wounded in hot blood, who, for the time, scarce feels 
the hurt ; and therefore a miud fixed and bent upon 
somewhat that is good, doth avert the dolours of 
death. Bacon. 

Col. John A. Davis, of the 46th Regiment 
Illinois Volunteers, was born in Crawford 
county, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1823. Re- 
moved, when fourteen years of age, with his 
father's family, to Stephenson county, Illi- 
nois ; since which time he has resided upon 
the same farm on which his father originally 
settled. He was a member from Stephenson 
county to the Illinois Legislature during the 
sessions of 1857 and '59. Mr. Davis enlisted 
as a private in a company of volunteers raised 
in his county early in the month of September, 
1861. Upon the organization of the company, 
he was elected Captain ; reported his com- 
pany at Camp Butler, Springfield, Septem- 
ber 10, 1861, and was commissioned by Gov. 
Yates, Colonel of the 46th Regiment, Sept. 12. 
He was with his regiment at the capture of 
Fort Donelson; and after Gen. McClernand's 
division had been driven in during the forenoon 
of Saturday, Feb. 15th, he was ordered to 
occupy the same position and support Dresser's 
battery, which was done with a loss of three 
men. The last cannon fired by the rebels 



from Fort Donelson was sighted at Col. Davis' 
regiment. At the battle of Shiloh, he went 
into the engagement with Gen. Veatch's bri- 
gade of Hurlbut's division at eight o'clock in 
the morning of Sunday, and was under fire 
constantly until one o'clock on Monday, when 
he fell, as was reported, mortally wounded, 
with a shot through the right lung, having 
had two horses shot under him, and having 
had one hundred and ninety-seven men killed 
and wounded out of six hundred that he led 
into the battle on Sunday morning. He bore 
with his own hands the regimental flag from 
the field, the color-bearer having been shot ; 
and his regiment having lost its support on 
his right and left, was compelled to retreat on 
Sunday forenoon. 

Some three months ago, a large number of 
the foremost men in the 3d Congressional 
District requested the privilege of using his 
name as a candidate for Congress. Col. Davis' 
noble reply is familiar to many of my readers. 
He peremptorily declined the honor, deeming 
it his duty to return to his regiment. Said he, 
"I can serve my country better, in following 
the torn banner of my regiment in the battle- 
field." 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



103 



With his right arm still paralyzed from the 
effects of his wound, he returned and took 
command of his regiment, as soon as he re- 
covered sufficiently to ride on horseback. On 
passing through Cairo, his friends remon- 
strated with him and advised him to return 
home, and remain until he recovered the use 
of his right arm, but he answered, " My coun- 
try needs me, and I can manage my regiment 
with my left hand." 

On returning to his regiment at Bolivar, 
September 18th, he received a warm welcome 
from his brave soldiers, and was presented 
with a magnificent horse, saddle and equip- 
ments. On the holsters is a large heart- 



shaped silver plate, bearing the inscription — 

" Presented to Col. John A. Davis, by the 

officers and soldiers of the 46th Regiment of 

Illinois Volunteers, as a token of respect for 

his heroism and bravery on the battle-fields 

of Donelson and Shiloh." 

At the severe battle of Corinth, October 4th, 

he fell mortally wounded, and died a few days 

afterwards. His remains were borne to his 

home at Rock Run, Stephenson county, for 

interment. 

" Bury him where the brook shall sing 
His requiem, and returning Spring 

8ball deck his peaceful grave; 
And heaven shall watch, with starry eyes, 
The mound under the starry skies. 

Where sleeps the bravest brave." 



COL. DOXJOHEItTY. 



Col. Henry Douohertt, the subject of this 
sketch, was born in Wilmington, North Caro- 
lina, August 15, 1827. In 1833, his father 
emigrated to Carlyle, Clinton county, Illinois, 
"where, shortly after their arrival, both parents 
died, so, when only eight years of age, he was 
left an orphan to provide for and protect him- 
self. He worked on a farm until he was six- 
teen years of age, when, having a passion for 
adventure, he joined a Rocky Mountain fur 
company, and remained with them one year. 
On his return to St. Louis, he enlisted as a 
private in the 1st United States Dragoons, 
■went to Oregon, and joined Col. Kearney's 
command. In the spring, he proceeded to 
New Mexico with his company, Capt. Bergain, 
and served through the whole Mexican cam- 
paign, being at various times under command 
of Generals Scott, Taylor and Harney. He 
was in nine battles, viz., Kenyardo, Lambo- 
tha, Taos, Brasito, Sacramento, Buena Vista, 
and at the capture of the city of Mexico. 

An incident, which occurred at the battle of 
Taos, will illustrate his character. He was 
severely wounded in the leg by a rifle-ball, 
and fell from his horse. Attempting to reach 
the hospital tent, about four hundred yards 
distant, his strength failed him and he fainted. 
Surgeon Simpson found him in this condition, 
and had him carried to the hospital, dressed 
his wound, and placed him upon a cot. At 
this moment another member of the company 



was brought in badly wounded, and while 
the surgeon was looking after him. Private 
Dougherty having recovered somewhat, slipped 
out at the rear end of the tent, mounted his 
horse, and galloped into the hottest of the 
battle. Smarting from his wound, he fought 
like a madman until the engagement was ter- 
minated, destroying several of the enemy. 
When he returned to the hospital, entirely ex- 
hausted, he received a severe reprimand from 
the surgeon, and when asked why he did so, 
replied, " The fight was not over yet, and I 
thought it my duty to go and do my part." 
It was three weeks before he left his bed. 

At the close of the war, he sailed from Vera 
Cruz to New Orleans, and was wrecked at 
Brazos-Santiago. He then returned again to 
New Mexico, and joined Colonel (now Gen.) 
Sumner's command, against the Navijo and 
Apache Indians. On receiving his discharge 
in 1852, he returned to Carlyle. In 1855 he 
married, continuing to reside in the same 
place, where h6 was engaged in business. At 
the call of the President for volunteers, he 
raised a company, but failed to get accepted. 
He then joined Captain Johnson's company, 
as a private, and at the election of regimental 
officers, was unanimously elected Colonel of 
the 22d Regiment. He accompanied Gen. 
Grant on his expedition to Belmont, Nov. 7, 
1861, and took part in that hard engage- 
ment, and receiving a severe wound while 



104 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



gallantly leading his regiment. He was taken pany with his wife the day following. The 
prisoner by the enemy and confined at Col- greatest enthusiasm was exhibited by the 
umbus, where he Buffered the amputation of a troops at Bird's Point and Cairo on the 
leg. Dec. 6th, by an agreement entered into Colonel's return. The 22d is in Gen. Rose- 
between Gen. Grant and the commander of crans' division of Grant's army, and is now 
the rebel forces at Columbus, Col. Dougherty stationed near Corinth, 
was exchanged, and reached Cairo in com- 



•'»«» 



OEN. OG-LESBY^. 



Brig. Gen. Richard J. Oglesbt was born in 
Odham co , Ky., June 24th, 1824. He served 
as a 1st Lieut, in the 4th Illinois Regiment, Col. 
Baker, during the Mexican war, and distin- 
guished himself at the battle of Cerro Gordo. 
Upon his return, he studied law with Judge 
Robbins, of Springfield, and afterwards at- 
tended law lectures at Louisville, Ky. Upon 
passing his examination, he commenced the 
practice of the law in Decatur, his present 
residence. In 1856 he went abroad, visiting 
Europe and the Holy Land during his ab- 
sence of a year. On his return, he delivered 
several most entertaining lectures, in which 
he described his impressions of the countries 
he had visited. In 1858, he was the Repub- 
lican candidate for Congress, but was defeated 



by his opponent, J. C. Robinson. In 1860, he 
was elected a member of the State Senate of 
Illinois, and was a member of that body when 
the rebellion broke out, in April, 1861. He 
immediately raised the 8th Regiment, and was 
unanimously elected Colonel. At the battle 
of Fort Donelson, Col. Oglesby commanded a 
brigade, consisting of his own, the 18th, 29th, 
30th and 31st Illinois regiments, with two bat- 
teries, and several companies of cavalry. For 
his gallantry on this occasion, he was made a 
Brigadier General, his commission being dated 
March 21, 1862. At the battle of Shiloh, Gen. 
Oglesby commanded a brigade ; and in the 
severe engagement before Corinth, Oct. 4th, 
1862, between Gen. Rosecrans and the rebels 
under Price, Van Dorn and Lovell, he was 
severely if not mortally wounded. 



COL. SHEIlMiAIV. 



Francis T. Sherman, son of Mayor Sher- 
man, of Chicago, and Col. of the 88th Regi- 
ment Illinois Volunteers, was born in New- 
town, Ct., Dec. 25, 1825. Before he was four 
years of age, the family removed to Buffalo, 
N.Y., and in 1834 again removed, and settled 
in Chicago, where they have ever since re- 
sided. He received his education mostly at 
a school kept by Mr. Collins, a well known 
teacher of the early day of Chicago. When 
quite young, Mr. Sherman joined a fire com- 
pany, and afterwards became foreman Engine 
Co. No. 4. In April, 1849, he went to Cali- 
fornia, and resided there for a time, returning 
to Chicago, Dec. 15, 1850, and resuming busi- 
ness as a manufacturer of brick, under the 
firm of F. T. & E. Sherman. In 1851, he was 
married to Miss Eleanor N. Vedder, of Lake 
county, Illinois. In 1855, he formed a co- 
partnership under the name of Sherman, Bay 
& Co., and two years later began the manu- 
facture of lime, having formed a partnership 
with his brother-in-law, W. G. Sherman. In 



June, 1861, he opened, in connexion with P. 
B. Roberts (the firm being Roberts & Sher- 
man), the magnificent hotel erected by his 
father, and known as the Sherman House. 
March 8th, 1862, Mr. Sherman entered the 
army as Major of the 12th Illinois Cavalry, 
and accompanied the regiment to the Potomac 
in June, 1862. The month following, he was 
detailed, by order of Gen. Wool, to proceed 
with a company from Martin sburgh to Front 
Royal and arrest Mrs. Belle Boyd, a sister of 
Robert J. Faulkner, who had given signals to 
the enemy under Jackson, at the time of the 
attack on Gen. Banks. August 8th, 1862, 
Major Sherman was appointed, by Gov. Yates, 
Col. of the 88th, and on the 3d September, 
he proceeded with his regiment to Louisville, 
Ky. In the severe battle of Perryville, Octo- 
ber 8th, the 88th Regiment were under fire 
for the first time, and displayed great bravery 
and steadiness. Col. Sherman was highly 
complimented by Gen. Greusel for his gallant- 
ry on the occasion. 




COL. SHERMAN, 



SKETCHES OP ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



105 



OEIV. ItlRIi. 



Edward N. Kirk was born in Jefferson co., 
Ohio, February 28, 1828, and was educated 
at the Friends' Seminary at Mt. Pleasant, his 
family being Quakers. He adopted the law 
as his profession, and entered the office of 
Gen. Bostwick at Cadiz ia his native State, 
with whom he remained two years. From 
there he removed to Baltimore, and read law 
for a year with Judge Bartol, now of the 
Superior Court of Indiana. Mr. Kirk was 
admitted to practice at the bar of Baltimore, 
where he remained a short time, and in the 
spring of 1854, removed to Sterling, Illinois. 
He continued in his profession, which he 
practised with great success until the break- 
ing out of the rebellion, when he immediately 
gave his whole attention to the study of mili- 
tary science, and in August raised the "Rock 
River Regiment," designated as the 34th Illi- 
nois Volunteers, and was elected Colonel of 
the regiment, his commission dating from 
August 15, 1861. Col. Kirk, in command of 
the 34th Regiment, left Camp Butler with his 
regiment the 1st of October, for Muldraugh's 
Hill, Ky., arriving there while the forces at 
that place were under Gen. Rousseau. In a 
few days the whole force was moved to Camp 
Nevin, when Gen. A. McD. McCook took com- 
mand of the division of what was then Gen. 
Sherman's department. Colonel Kirk was in 
command of the regiment during the two 
months that the army remained at Camp 
Nevin. While there, the troops were di-illed 
thoroughly in the school of the soldier — com- 
pany, battalion, and the higher system of tac- 
tics, the evolutions of the line. It was here, 
thus early in the field, that the 34th Illinois 
acquired a reputation for drill and discipline 
second to none in the volunteer service. Many 
were the compliments received by Col. Kirk 
from officers high in command, for the hand- 
some appearance of his regiment. Here, too, 
officers were schooled in tactics and the duties 
appertaining to them as commanders. And 
here it is but simple justice to state what is 
readily acknowledged by all officers, not only 
in the 5th brigade, but in the division, that 
Col. Kirk was celebrated for the perfection of 
his knowledge of drill and discipline and his 
remarkable comprehension of military tactics, 



not only in letter but in spirit, and of military 
science as taught by our various standard au- 
thors, of which he has been for a long time a 
close student. In December month, the whole 
division was moved to Munfordville, on Green 
River, and Col. Kirk was placed in command 
of the 5th brigade of McCook's division. He 
was also appointed one of the Examining 
Board to pass upon the qualifications of offi- 
cers for the service. On the 14th of February, 
1862, McCook's division was ordered to West 
Point, at the mouth of Salt River, to take 
transports for the Cumberland River. After 
one day's march, the order was countermanded, 
Fort Donelson having fallen, and the main 
body of Buell's army countermarched, and 
crossed Green River to Bowling Green, Nash- 
ville, Columbia, and on to reinforce Gen. Grant 
at Pittsburgh Landing. On April 6th, about 
8 a.m., cannonading was heard at intervals in 
the direction of Savannah. About noon an 
order was received by Col. Kirk to pass the 
army trains and hasten forward his brigade 
with two days' rations. The brigade, after 
marching twenty-two miles over a muddy road, 
reached Savannah at 8 o'clock at night, and 
remained in the street for nearly three hours 
in a drenching rain awaiting transportation. 
Finally, all were embarked in transports^ and 
at 5.30 a.m. on the 7th, disembarked at Pitts- 
burgh Landing. The brigade, to reach the 
summit of the hill at the landing, had to push 
its way through large masses of wounded and 
demoralized men, the panic-stricken ones of 
the day before. Through all this scene of 
horror and woe presented on the hillside, the 
noble 5th moved with its gallant commander 
at its front. On the hill, breakfast of hard 
bread and water was soon over, and then the 
brigade marched out to take position on that 
terrible field of carnage. Rousseau's brigade 
led the way, supported by Kirk, and was 
formed with his left resting near Gen. Crit- 
tenden's right, and his right extending toward 
the north. These arrangements made by Gen. 
Buell, the line was ordered forward and crossed 
a ravine, taking a new position upon a high 
ridge of ground, and became immediately en- 
gaged with the enemy. The main attack was 
upon Rousseau's right. Knowing that the 



106 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



right could not long resist tlie fierce foray 
upon it, Gen. McCook ordered Col. Kirk to 
move forward with his brigade to take posi- 
tion on Rousseau's right, and to hold it at all 
hazards. Riglit gallantly the brigade moved 
to its new and trying duty, cheered and in- 
spirited by the soldierly bearing of the Col. 
The attack on the right was continuous and 
raged with demoniac fury, but owing to the 
determined valor of Rousseau's and Kirk's 
brigades, the rebels were repulsed. After 
falling back a half mile or more, the rebels 
were reinforced, and supported by two batter- 
ies of artillery, formed in line of battle, and 
waged anew the contest. The battle-ground 
at this time was General McClernand's camp, 
from which he had been driven the day be- 
fore. Here fell Maj. Gen. A. S. Johnston, the 
rebel leader, and here the rebel lines fell back 
across the open field ; then, being again rein- 
forced, they resumed the fight. Now the rebel 
point of attack changed from the right to our 
left. Rousseau asked for help, and Col. Kirk 
sent Col. Stumbaugh's regiment (the 77th 
Pennsylvania) to his support. The rebels, 
now under the immediate direction of Gen. 
Beauregard, fought with reckless daring, and 
contested obstinately every inch of the ground. 
But slowly they fell back. Rousseau pressed 
them closely, and Kirk gave masterly support. 
Now it was discovered that the advance of our 
division had created an extended interval be- 
tween Kirk's left and Crittenden's right. This 
advantage the enemy perceived, and rapidly 
mustered his troops to iiank our left. At this 
juncture, Col. (now Gen.) Willich, commanding 
the 32d Indiana, was ordered to the support 
of Rousseau's left. Gen. McCook now ordered 
Kirk into position in front. Rousseau, ex- 
hausted in ammunition, fell back. It was a 
beautiful sight, "the passage of lines" of these 
splendid brigades, the old 4th and 5th. Each 
commander. Kirk and Rousseau, ployed his 
battalions into double column and passed each 
other, the 4th retiring, the 5th advancing. 
Just as the columns approached each other, 
the gallant Rousseau and stafi^ rode up to the 
head of the 5th brigade and said, "Col. Kirk, 
the 4th brigade will never forget the noble 
manner in which you have stood by us this 
day. My ammunition is gone, but when you 
need me, I will stand by you with the 'cold 
steel.^ " The troops of each brigade shouted a 



cheer for the commander of the other. The 
5th gained the front, and deployed two regi- 
ments in the first line, two in double column 
in reserve. There was a moment of fearful 
silence, and then the contest burst upon the 
ear like an earthquake. The war of artillery 
was continuous. A perfect sleet of musketry, 
canister and shell swept every inch of ground; 
but no man faltered, though the dead were 
falling thick and fast around them. In the 
thickest of the fight, Major Levenway, com- 
manding the 34th, was instantly killed by 
a shell, and the regiment wavered for a mo- 
ment, when Col. Kirk seized the colors, rushed 
forward and steadied the line. While doing 
so, he Avas dangerously wounded. Gen. Mc- 
Cook, in his report of the battle, says : " Col. 
Kirk, who, during the action, was severely 
wounded in the shoulder, coolly and judiciously 
led his men under fire. He has been in com- 
mand of the 5th brigade for some months, and 
much of its efficiency is due to the care and 
labor he bestowed upon it. I respectfully 
call your attention to his meritorious services 
upon this day." Gens. Buell and McCook 
recommended him for promotion. In June, 
the President appointed him a Brigadier, but 
the Senate did not confirm the appointment, 
for the reason, that reports represented Col. 
K. in a precarious condition, and that if he 
recovered at all, he would never be fit for 
service, and they would confirm only those 
who could take the field. August 25th, Col. 
K., still an invalid, left his home to join his 
brig.ade, which was then in the neighborhood 
of Chattanooga. Arriving at Loui.sville, the 
guerrillas had possession of parts of the Louis- 
ville and Nashville Railroad. Col. Kirk was 
obliged to remain in Louisville, and was tem- 
porarily placed in command of all the new 
troops coming into Louisville ; afterwards 
commanded a brigade of new troops, and 
aided in preparing defences for Louisville 
against the anticipated attack of Bragg and 
his army. Upon the arrival of Buell's arm.y 
at Louisville, he was ordered to take command 
of his old brigade, the 5th, the first time they 
had met since the hard fought battle of Shiloh. 
About October 1st, 1862, the whole army left 
Louisville in pursuit of Bragg, Col. Kirk com- 
manding the 5th brigade in Gen. Sill's division, 
McCook's army corps. Col. Kirk was not in 
the battle of Perryville. On the march of 
Sill's division to Frankfort and Lexington, to 
flank the enemy on the left, he was in three 
skirmishes. One of them, at Claysville, was 
something more than a skirmish. December 
3d, Col. Kirk was made a Brigadier General, 
and is now with the 5th brigade. Sill's division 
of Gen. Rosecrans' army. 




'^X^'^^ 



O E N . H V E Y. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



lOT 



GEP^. HOVEY. 



Among those who have distinguished them- 
selves in the present war by brave and gallant 
conduct is Charles Edward Hovet, the hero 
of "The Cache." He was boi-n in Thetford, 
Vt., AprM 26, 1827; one of a large family of 
children, whose parents were farmers. In 
his boyhood he had the advantages of such 
an English education as they could afford to 
give him. He afterwards, by his own exer- 
tions, was enabled to continue his studies. 
He entered Dartmouth College in July, 1848, 
and graduated in due time from that institu- 
tion. During his college life, his winters 
were spent in Massachusetts in teaching. 
After leaving college, he took charge of the 
High School of Framington of that State. 
He is spoken of, by all that, knew him at that 
time, as a man possessed of enthusiasm, un- 
tiring energy, and great tact. At the close 
of the second year he went to Peoria, Illinois, 
as principal of a school, supported by an as- 
sociation of stockholders. Before leaving the 
east, he was united in marriage, Oct. 9, 1851, 
to Miss Harriette F. Spofford, a highly accom- 
plished lady of North Andover, Mass. He 
had not been long in Peoria before he inter- 
ested himself deeply in public schools. Many 
of his suggestions were adopted and carried 
into practice by the citizens of that place. 
The stock schools were soon merged into the 
public school system, and a high school was 
established of which he was first principal, 
acting, also, as superintendent of the city 
schools for a part of the first year of the new 
organization. At the close of the year, he 
resigned the former office and devoted himself 
to the duties of his superintendency, until his 
connection with the State Normal School. In 
1855, Mr. Hovey was elected President of the 
State Teachers' Association of Illinois. While 
he remained connected with the schools of 
this State he exercised a leading influence in 
the Association, and through this, over the 
public schools of the State. In 1854, "The 
Illinois Teacher," a monthly journal, designed 
to further the educational interests of the 
State, had been started. It continued a feeble 
existence through the year with a very small 
list of subscribers. In 1856, Mr. Hovey be- 
came its editor. From this time the Teacher 



was a successful, paying journal. Through 
this medium, Mr. Hovey and other friends of 
education advocated various measures adapted 
to raise the standard of popular education, 
and especially the establishment of a school 
for the training of teachers. The sentiment 
in favor of a Normal School gained constantly 
in depth and strength, until the popular will 
found expression in the Normal School Act of 
1856-7. The act required the university to 
be located where the most favorable offer 
should be made, and was accordingly awarded 
to McLean county, in consideration of her 
donation of $70,000 in lands, and subscrip- 
tions by her citizens of an equal amount. 
The university was to be built at Blooming- 
ton, and in spite of the financial disasters in 
the country, the buildings were pressed to 
completion, and from the first term the school 
gained steadily in numbers and efl&ciency, and 
the university promises henceforth to be a 
great and beneficent power in the State ; 
raising the standai'd of qualifications for the 
office of teaching, sending forth annually a 
large number of skillful and devoted laboi-ers, 
and kindling everywhere a deeper interest in 
popular education. Mr. Hovey presided over 
this institution with his usual vigor and suc- 
cess. His whole connection with the public 
schools bespeaks him a man of unwearied 
diligence and great devotion to the interests 
of sound learning. He remained in Bloom- 
ington until the rebellion breaking out, he 
sought new duties and honors in another field. 
A short time after the commencement of the 
war he raised the 33d Illinois regiment of 
infantry, otherwise known as the "Normal 
Kegiment," and was elected Colonel. In the 
original plan it was intended that the officers 
of this regiment should be from the teachers, 
and the privates from the scholars and gradu- 
ates of this and other schools in the State. 
In the pursuance of this plan, Ira Moore and 
L. H. Potter, both teachers in the Normal 
University, were elected Captains in this regi- 
ment, and their companies were mostly filled 
with members and graduates of the Normal 
University. But the plan failed in being 
carried out to the fullest extent, and the re- 
mainder of the regiment was filled up with 



108 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



other men. The moral tone of the officers 
and men is of a higli order. Their discipline 
is of the best; and it is a well known fact, 
that, after they had been in the service fifteen 
monthsi 900 men were still able to do duty. 
As a Colonel in Gen. Steele's division, he dis- 
tinguished himself for bravery and skill in 
the battle of Fredericktown, and still more so 
in the battle of "TheCache," Arkansas, where 
he, in command of 400 Union troops, routed 
completely 2000 of the famous Texan Rangers. 
The following is Col. Hovey's official report 
of the battle of " The Cache," fought July 
17th, 1862: 

Pursuant to orders, I directed Col. Harris, 
with parts of four conipanies of his regiment, 
the 11th Wisconsin infantry, and parts of the 
33d Illinois infantry, and one small steel gun 
of tlie 1st Indiana cavalry, in all a little less 
than 400 men, to make a reconnoissance in 
advance of our lines. He fell in with the 
rebel pickets at Hill's plantation, and fired on 
them. Passing the forks of the road at this 
place toward Bayou de View, he had pro- 
ceeded but a short distance when I overtook 
and turned him back, with instructions to 
hasten down the Des Arc road, and if possible 
rescue a prisoner just captured. He marched 
rapidly for half a mile, and fell into an am- 
bush. The woods swarmed with rebels, and 
the firing was terrific. 

I have since learned that over 2000 Texas 
troops were here drawn up in line of battle. 
Captain Miller led our advance, and was im- 
mediately followed by 1st Lieut. Checsebro, 
both of whose companies were deployed as 
ekirmishers. These companies began the 
fight. The little cannon was planted a short 
distance to the left of the road and opened 
fire. The rebel advance fell back on the 
main line, which was concealed by thick 
underbrush from our men. Colonel Harris 
pushed on his advance until they came within 
range, when suddenly the enemy began a 
murderous fire. Our force, thus fiercely and 
unexpectedly assailed, was ordered to fall 
back, and in executing this order fell into 
8ome little confusion. The Rangers charged. 
Here Col. Harris was severely wounded, but 
still kept his horse, and, though fainting, 
fought. I had now reached the field. The 
rebels, a full regiment strong, were charging 
at a gallop on the little steel gun which was 
left with Lieut. Denneman and one man. All 
others were gone. Capt. Potter and his com- 
pany here came to the rescue, aided in limber- 
ing up, and withstood the charge of cavalry 
till the gun had fairly gained the road, when 
it was taken in charge by Lieut. Partridge. 
Capt. Potter was seriously wounded. 

I now ordered the gun up the road in haste, 
and the infantry into the cornfield. As the 
rebels, confident of victory, came charging up 



the road at full speed, and in great force, in 
pursuit, the infantry fired. The rebel column 
hesitated, but moved on. Another volley, and 
the ground was covered with their dead. 
Riderless horses rushed wildly in all direc- 
tions. The Rangers wavered and halted. 
The third fire completed their demoralization 
and overthrow. They left as suddenly as 
they came, and in great disorder. 

It was now certain that we had engaged a 
large force of well-armed men ; how large, it 
was impossible to tell, nor did I know their 
strategy, or have any but the most imperfect 
idea of the topography of the adjacent grounds. 

It seemed prudent, therefore, to hold the 
position already chosen, and which had proved 
to be a good one, and wait events. I soon 
discovered a large cavalry force filing past, 
in front of my position, but just beyond 
musket range. When fully in front they 
halted, and ordered a charge. I could dis- 
tinctly hear the order — "Charge; charge ou 
the cornfield!" but, for some reason, no charge 
was made. The column was again put in mo- 
tion, with the intent, as I supposed, to gain 
my rear and cut oif communication and rein- 
forcements. Fortunately, the force which had 
been ordered back from the first onset was 
now in position to check this movement, and 
again the rebels were forced to retreat. 

Hardly had this movement failed, when I 
was apprised of an attempt to turn my left, 
and immediately dispatched Capt. Elliott and 
his company to thwart it. During these shifi- 
ings of positions I could plainly see them 
caring for their dead and wounded, and re- 
moving them, but to what extent I have no 
means of telling. They now formed on their 
original line of battle, and 1 moved upon 
them, extending my line till it became merely 
a line of skirmishers, to prevent being flanked, 
so great was the disproportion of the forces. 
No men could behave more handsomely than 
did the Wisconsin 11th, on my right, and the 
Illinois 33d, on my left, while Lieut. Denne- 
man, with his gun, supported by as large an 
infantry force as I could spare, held the 
centre. The rebels gave way, and, while 
driving them from the field, I heard a shout 
in the rear, and before fully comprehending 
what it meant, Lieut. Col. Wood, of the 1st 
Indiana cavalry, with one battalion and two 
more steel guns came cantering up. It was 
the work of a moment for Lieut. Baker to un- 
limber hi.s pieces and get in position. The 
woods were soon alive with shot and shell. 
The retreat became a rout. Our cavalry, led 
by Major Clendenning, charged vigorously, 
and the day was ours. 

Already 110 of the enemy's dead have been 
found, while their prisoners and the officers 
in charge of the flag of truce speak of the 
"terrible carnage," and estimate their dead 
at more than 200, and their wounded at a 
still greater number. Their loss in dead was 
undoubtedly much greater than the 110 whose 




OEN. ROSS. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



109 



bodies were found. I have been unable to 
ascertain tlie number of their wounded, or to 
make a reliable estimate ; nor have I a report 
of the prisoners taken. A large number of 
horses were captured, and many left dead on 
the field. Sixty-six were counted within an 
area of half a mile square. Our loss was 7 
killed and 57 wounded. 

The rebel force — Texas troops — engaged in 
the fight could not have been far from 2000 
men, and was supported by a still larger re- 
serve force, all under the command of Gen. 
Rust. The loyal force was less than 400, in- 
creased just at the close by a cavalry force 
of about 200. 

Where officers and men so uniformly be- 
haved well, I can almost say heroically, it is, 
perhaps, invidious to particularize ; and yet I 
may be pardoned for calling attention to the 
gallant conduct of Col. Harris and Capt. Miller 
of the 11th Wisconsin; Mnjor Clendeiining of 
the 1st Indiana Cavalry, and Capt. L. H. Pot- 
ter of the 33d Illinois. Surgeon H. P. Strong 
was on the field throughout the action, and 
his services deserve recognition. 

Later in the afiernoon reinforcements came 
up, and Gen. Benton pursued the fleeing foe 
five or six miles toward Des Arc, killing several 
and taking prisoners. All along the route he 
found the houses filled with the dead and 
wounded; curb-stones were wet with blood, 
and in one case even the water of the well 
was arimson with gore. Gen. Benton's force 



consisted of the 8th Indiana, Col. Shunk ; a 
section of Manter's Battery, 1st Missouri Light 
Artillery, Lieut. Schofield ; part of the 11th 
Wisconsin, Major Piatt; one howitzer from 
Bovven's Battalion; tiie 13th Illinois Cavalry, 
Col. Bell, and a battalion of the 5th Illinois 
Cavalry, under Major Apperson. 

After the battle, and while the wounded 
were being collected and cared for, another 
body of rebels appeared on the Bayou deView 
Road and drove in our pickets. I immediately 
sent Lieut. Col. Wood, of the 11th Wisconsin, 
with a force of infantry, and the 1st Indiana 
Cavalry, to pursue and capture them. He 
proceeded to Bayou de View, shelled the rebels 
from their camp, and prevented the burning 
of the bridge, on which faggots had already 
been piled. By this time it was dark, and 
the forces rested. 

For the zeal and skill he has shown through- 
out the war, and particularly for his conduct 
in this battle. Col. Hovey was promoted to a 
Brigadier Generalship, October, 1862. As a 
man, he is faithful, efiicient, exemplary, ener- 
getic and talented ; as an army officer, he has 
military ability, coolness, courage and re- 
markable tact ; moreover, be is enthusiasti- 
cally beloved by his soldips, and is plainly 
predicted to be a rising man. 



oe:iv. hoss. 



LeoIsard Fulton Ross, one of the youngest 
Brigadier Generals whom Illinois has the dis- 
tinction of having furnished during the war, 
is, with the exception of Generals Cook and 
Logan, the only native lUinoisan of the entire 
number. His father moved to Illinois from 
New York in 1821, and settled in Fulton co., 
upon the site of Lewistown, the present county 
seat, at a period when there were but two 
other white families within what are now the 
limits of the county. Here he was born, July 
18th, 1823. Passing his childhood upon the 
frontier, where the principal portion of the 
population consisted of roving bands of In- 
dians, and in a village which derived its only 



importance from the fact of its being an In- 
dian trading post, his early opportunities for 
acquiring the education of the schools were 
of course limited, but it may well be doubted 
if the habits of activity, enterprise and ob- 
servation engendered by these circumstances 
were not ample compensation for any such 
deficiencies. At the age of seventeen he was 
sent to Jacksonville, where he passed some 
years in study, and having completed the 
prescribed course, entered a law office as 
student, and was admitted to the bar in 1845. 
In November of the same year, he married 
Catharine M., daughter of R. C. Simms, Esq. 
The Mexican war breaking out the follow- 



110 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



ing year, upon the first call for volunteers he 
enlisted as a private in Company K, 4th Regi- 
ment Illinois Volunteers, commanded by the 
gallant Baker, for whom he entertained an 
enthusiastic admiration, and between whom 
and himself at a subsequent period there 
sprung up a warm personal friendship. After 
serving in the ranks for two months, he so 
gained the confidence and esteem of his com- 
rades, that, by a vote of the company, he was 
promoted to 1st Lieutenant, to fill a vacancy 
occasioned by the resignation of Lieut. G. W. 
Stipp. During his term of service he was in 
command of the coujpany about five months, 
including the time of the investment and cap- 
ture of Vera Cruz, and the battle of Cerro 
Gordo, where he exhibited such distinguished 
gallantry as to elicit especial commendation 
from Col. Baker. Previous to the battle he 
commanded the body-guard of Geu. Shields, 
while making a difficult and dangerous recon- 
noissance of the ground preparatory to the 
anticipated engagement. In January, 1847, 
Gen. Scott desiring to send important dis- 
patches from Metamora to Gens. Taylor and 
Patterson at Victoria, Lieut. Ross cheerfully 
undertook the perilous duty, and accomplished 
his mission successfully, making his way safely 
through a populous and hostile country a dis- 
tance of two hundred and fifty miles, accom- 
panied only by a guide, an interpreter, and 
an escort of nineteen men. 

On returning to his home at the close of the 
war, he, somewhat to his surprise, found him- 
self the most popular man in his county, and 
a candidate for Probate Judge. For six years 
he filled this and other important county offi- 
ces, and then declining further political hon- 
ors, he turned his attention to business, deal- 
ing in real estate, merchandising, etc., and 
meeting with the most gratifying success. 
One of the most public-spirited citizens of the 
community in which he resided, he always 
contributed liberally, both of money and per- 
sonal efforts, to advance its business and edu- 
cational interests. 

On the breaking out of the rebellion, not- 
withstanding all his political affiliations had 
been with the Democratic party, he at once 
became an advocate of the most active and 
vigorous measures for maintaining the in- 
tegrity of the Government, and while many 
of his old political associates were hesitating 



between their wish to preserve the Govern- 
ment and their reluctance to aid an Adminis- 
tration to which they were politically opposed, 
he promptly raised a company and tendered 
it to the Governor. It was accepted, and 
ordered to rendezvous at Peoria ; and when a 
regimental organization was effected. May 
20th, 1861, Capt. Ross was unanimously chosen 
Colonel of what has since been known as the 
1 7th Regiment 111. Volunteers. His services 
in the field since that time are too recent and 
too well known to require particular mention. 
His regiment, while he commanded it, was al- 
most constantly in active service, marching 
very many hundreds of miles through Missouri 
and Kentucky, most of the time in unsuccess- 
ful pursuit of a retreating enemy. At the 
battle of Fredericktown, fought by a brigade 
commanded by Col. Plummer, the rebel force 
having been unexpectedly encountered in am- 
bush while Col. Plummer was some distance 
in the rear, Col. Ross was in command of the 
forces, and had made his disposition of the 
troops with such skill and rapidity, and at- 
tacked the rebels with such vigor, that the 
battle was virtually over before Col. Plummer 
appeared upon the field. During this engage- 
ment, Col. Ross had his horse shot under him. 
The troops engaged in this affair moved from 
Cape Girardeau on the 18th of October, and 
returned on the 25th, marching over 160 miles, 
and winning the first of the brilliant series of 
victories that crowned our arms in that fall 
campaign. Dui'ing a portion of the winter, 
Col. Ross commanded the post at Cape Girar- 
deau. His regiment was ordered up the Ten- 
nessee river in February, while he was called 
home by heavy domestic afiSictions, and he 
joined it only in time to participate in the last 
day's fighting at Fort Donelson. 

In April, 1862, Col. Ross was promoted to 
Brigadier General, having been in command 
of a brigade ince the capture of Fort Donel- 
son. After the evacuation of Corinth, he was 
assigned to the command of a division, and 
stationed at Bolivar, Tenn., which he has sur- 
rounded with a cordon of fortifications, erected 
by negro labor, that renders it impregnable ; 
while the firm and vigorous policy he has pur- 
sued has secured the entire loyalty, "volun- 
tarily or otherwise," of the population for 
many miles around. 




COL. 15 S W O R T 11 . 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



Ill 



OOL. BOST^OHTH. 



Each of us here let the world go as it will, and be 
'victorious or not victorious, has tie not a little lite of 
his own to lead? One life— a little gleam of life be- 
tween two eternities — uo second chance to us for 
evermore. — Carlyle. 

Among the long roll of heroes and martyrs 
■who have added renown to the records of 
Illinois, the subject of this sketch — Lieutenant 
Colonel Amos Bosworth — deserves a promi- 
nent place. He was born at Royaltoii, Ver- 
mont, April 12, 1831. In 1858, his father re- 
moved with his family to Illinois, and settled 
at Grand de Tour. He received a limited 
English education, and at an early age entered 
the employment of Leonard Andrews, manu- 
facturer of plows. He afterwards became his 
partner in business, under the name of An- 
drews & Bosworth. Tlieir factory added 
greatly to the prosperity of the town, and 
was of considerable benefit to the farming 
community of that district of country. Dur- 
the summer of 1861, when the project of 
organizing the '-Rock River Regiment" was 
suggested, he worked most energetically for 
the success of the enterprise, and it was his 
exertions, combined witii those of Col. (now 
Gen.) Kirk, that it was so speedily raised. 
He was elected Lieut. Col., and proceeded 
with the regiment, designated as the 34th 
Illinois Volunteers, to Kentucky. Col. Kirk 
being placed in command of a brigade of Mc- 
Cook's division in December, the coitimiud of 
the regiment devolved upon Lt. Col. Bosworth. 
His great energy of character and talents as 
an engineer, placed him and the 3Ilh in the 
advance through Tennessee, and was, doubt- 
less, in the rapidity with which desti'oyed 
bridges were reconstructed, and the conse- 
quent rapid movement of Gen. Buell's column, 
one of the means in the hands of an over- 
ruling Providence of saving the day and the 
cause of the Union in the West, in the memo- 
rable and bloody battle of Shiloh. While 
superintending the construction of a bridge 
a few days before the arrival of the army at 
Pittsburgh Landing, Col. Bosworth fell into 
the water, and took a severe cold, which 
brou'ght on a fever. Although very unwell, 
he rode at the head of his regiment until the 
army were near Savannah, when he became 
so ill that he was compelled to take a place in 
an ambulance. During the battle he lay at 
Savannah, and it was with great difficulty 
that his physician restrained him from going 
to Pittsburgh Landing to take command of the 
regiment. From this time until his death he 
continued to fail rapidly, and it was apparent 
that he could not live much longer. He was 
removed from Savannah, but on his arrival at 
Dixon, 111., was so low, that he was unable to 
endure the journey home. He died of typhus 
fever, at the residence of his friend, W. C. 
Andrus, April 23, 1862. His funeral took 



place at Grand de Tour, Sunday, April 27th, 
under the auspices of the Freemasons, of 
which order Col. Bosworth was a member. 
The people from the town and surrounding 
country were present in great numbers to 
witness the ceremonies and participate in the 
last sad rites due to the departed. The re- 
ligious services were conducted by Rev. A. J. 
Warner, his former teacher, assisted by Rev. 
Geo. C. Street, in the beautiful service of the 
Episcopal ritual. The procession was formed 
by the Fraternity near the Grand de Tour 
lodge-room, and marched thence to the late 
residence of Col. Bosworth, taking his remains 
to tlie iM. E. Chapel, where religious services 
were held. Mr. Warner delivered an appro- 
priate sermon. The procession then marched 
to the cemetery, where his remains were de- 
posited in their last resting place under the 
impressive ceremonies of the Masonic order, 
— the whole presenting a scene of the deepest 
interest, and much more imposing than any 
service of the kind heretofore had in that part 
of the State. Col. Bosworth was a man of 
extraordinary energy of character ; his faniilj' 
connections are among the most estimable in 
the country; he had many personal friends ; 
his business connections were extensive ; his 
labors in the public service were of a kind in- 
valuable to the country; his high standing: as 
a man ; — all contributed to swell the number 
in attendance and throw a shadow of 'deep 
sorrow upon the interesting ceremonies of the 
mournful occasion. 

The following letter was addressed to the 
gentleman at whose house Col. Bosworth died, 
by Gen. McCook, dated from his headquarters 
near Corinth, May 23d, 1862 : 

Claims upon my time and attention have kept me 
from answering your communication sooner It"af- 
fords me exquisite pleasure to bear humble testimony 
to the worth, the integrity, the gallantry and soldierly 
qualities of Amos Bosworth, late Lieut. Col. of the 
34th Kegiment of Illinois Volunteers. My first ac- 
quaintance and connection with him began at Camp 
Kevin, when he, with many other gallant sons of 
Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, rushed to the assistance 
of Kentucky. My official relations with him were of 
the most pleasant character, and as a friend I esteemed 
him as one of the truest and best. Prompt in the dis- 
charge of every duty, etlicient as a soldier, courteous 
as a gentleman, he was one of the brightest ornaments 
of the volunteer service. It was not vouchsafed to 
him to lay down his life upon the ensanguined field, 
yet, a peer in patriotism with the gallant Levenway, 
who died so nobly leading the 34th at Shiloh, he has 
\ni\& legacy of which his children maybe proud, and 
with his life sealed his fealty to his country and the 
Constitution. 

To his widowed mother and his sisters, to whom he 
was so devoted, I tender my sincere-st sympathy. The 
little consolation that a stranger's heartfelt words can 
give, I freely offer; and I ask his children to cherish 
his fame and memory with honest pride, and as they 
would a blessing of Heaven. 

With the kindest regards for yourself, T remain, sir, 
very respectfully, Your obed't serv't, 

A. McD. Mccook, 

Commanding Gen, 2d Division, 



112 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



COL. xhuxjsh:. 



Who dies in vain 
Upon his country's war fields, and witliin 
The shadow of her altars? Mm. Hemans. 

CoL William A. Thrush was born in Sbuf- 
fersburg, Pa., Dec. 18, 1828, and received his 
education in that village. In 1848 he removed 
to Peoria, 111., and obtained employment in a 
druggist's establishment, and afterwards be- 
gan the same business on his own account. 
He was also for some time the owner and 
manager of a flour mill. In the summer of 
1861 he raised a company for the 47th Regi- 
ment, as Captain. On the election of regi- 
mental officers, he was chosen Major, his 
commission dating from Aug. 25, 18G1 ; and 
on the death of the Lieut. Col. of the regiment, 
he was promoted to the vacancy. May 9, 1862. 
On the resignation, in September, of Col. 
Bryner, he was appointed Colonel of the regi- 
ment. Col. Thrush was killed while gallantly 
leading the 47«'h in the bloody battle of Corinth, 
Oct. 3d, where so many of our noble soldiers 
gave up their lives in defence of the old flag. 
When the sad news of his death reached Peoria, 
a meeting was held at the Court House by the 
principal citizens, on which occasion the fol- 
lowing resolutions were unanimously adopted: 

Resolved, That we have heard with unfeigned 
sorrow of the death of our townsman, Col. \Vm. 
A.^ Thrush, who fell in battle while gloriously 
leading on his troops to victory under the flag 
of his country', at the recent engagement with 
the enemy at Corinth, in the State of Missis- 
sippi ; and that we recognize in his death the 
loss of a brave man, a true patriot, a most 
useful member of society, and a citizen of the 
highest personal worth and most exemplary 
deportment in all the walks of life. 

Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with 
his bereaved widow and his child, who have 
thus been deprived of an affectionate husband 
and father. 

Resolved, That the citizens generally be re- 
quested to join in the funeral ceremonies when 
his remains shall arrive in this city. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be 
sent to the family of the deceased. 

A meeting of the " Jfational Blues" was also 



held, to take suitable action in regard to the 
death of Col. Thrush, formerly a member of the 
company. His remains were taken to Peoria 
for interment, and never before was there 
such a concourse of people assembled in that 
city. The religious services took place at the 
Second Presbyterian Church, whither the body 
was brought, escorted by the Knight Templars, 
the Masonic fraternity, the 103d Regiment, 
members of the 47th and other regiments, the 
National Blues, and a long line of carriages. 
The coffin, draped with the United States flag, 
and covered with wreaths of flowers, was taken 
into the yard of the church, where, owing to 
the vast throng assembled, the services were 
held, commencing with reading the second 
chapter of Job, by Rev. Mr. McCuUoch. Next 
followed an impressive address founded upon 
the tenth verse of the same chapter — "What! 
shall we receive good at the hand of God, and 
shall we not receive evil?" The services were 
concluded with a prayer by Rev. Mr. Stevens. 
The procession then re-formed, and marched 
to Springdale Cemetery. The procession was 
over a mile in length, without reference to the 
thousands of spectators that lined the streets. 
At the cemetery, the usual Masonic ceremonies 
were performed, which were very impressive, 
the whole concluding with several volleys of 
musketry fired over the grave. Thus was put 
to rest the remains of a fellow citizen beloved 
by all, and who nobly died in defence of his 
country's honor and her yet unsullied flag. 
He has left to his kindred and State a glorious 
example, and his name will long be cherished 
as a citizen and a soldier sans peur et sans re- 
proche — a worthy companion in arms to the 
lamented Baker, and Ellsworth, and Wallace, 

"Now our tones triumphant pour — 

Let them pierce the hero's grave: 
Lite's tumultuous battle's o'er, 

Oh I how sweetly sleeps the brave! 
From the grave their laurels rise, 

Hi'^h they bloom and flourish tree; 
Glory's temple is their tomb — 

Death is ImmOKtality!" 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



113 



OEIV. STXJAIiX, 



Robert Stuart, the father of the subject of 
this sketch, was a descendant of. a Scotch 
Covenanter. He was a man remarkable for 
his enterprise, courage, energy and capacity, 
and was for many years an agent of the 
American Fur Company— a kind of Robert 
Clive or Warren Hastings amongst the Indian 
traders of the Northwest. In 1807-8, Robert 
Stuart, with his brother, David Stuart, joined 
the expedition of Clark and Lewis, crossed 
the Rocky Jlountains, and opened the path- 
way to trade on the shores of the Pacific. In 
1809, when John Jacob Astor embarked in his 
far-seeing undertaking to create a trading 
expedition for furs at the mouth of the Col- 
umbia River, he selected Robert Stuart as his 
confidential agent, and he went round the 
Cape and established at Astoria the first mer- 
cantile trading post on the waters of Oregon, 
by which means the foundation was laid for 
securing that rich and thriving State to the 
American Union. At the time oft the war of 
1812, this point was seized by the British 
Government and broken up. Those who de- 
sire to learn the characteristics of Robert 
Stuart, and the romantic daring and dangers 
of his life, will find it all portrayed in the 
history of Astoria by Washington Irving. 
Soon after the peace of 1815, when Mr. Astor 
became the managing owner and master spirit 
of the American Fur Company, he placed 
Robert Stuart at the head of its affairs at 
Mackinaw; and there, for many years, in the 
style of an East Indian prince, he gave life, 
and laws, and energy to the fur trade, ex- 
tending then over Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, 
as far west as the Rocky Mountains, and south 
to the Arkansas River. All the early pioneers 
of the Northwest remember Robert Stuart as 
a kind of frontier potentate, whose will was 
law, whose integrity and honesty were never 
doubted by man, and whose whole life was a 
strange compound of the sagacious and cannie 
Scotchman, the stern and iron religious as- 
ceticism of a Scotch Covenanter, and the 
genial and splendid address and manners of 
an Indian prince. Many of the best business 
men of the Northwest, such as Gurdon Hub- 
bard, John H. Kinzie, and others, were his 
pupils, and all who ever knew Robert Stuart, 



recall his name and virtues with reverence 
and respect. 

Gen. David Stuart was his second child, the 
eldest being a daughter. Young Stuart pur- 
sued his academical studies at Utica, N.Y.,for 
some years ; then at Oberlin in Ohio ; and, at 
about the age of seventeen, entered Amherst 
College, Massachusetts, where he graduated 
at about 1838 or '39. He at once entered the 
office of Alex. D. Fraser at Detroit, where he 
acquired his profession, and soon attained a 
lucrative practice. About the year 1842, soon 
after he took his certificate of admission to the 
bar, he was appointed City Attorney of De- 
troit, the duties of which he discharged with 
ability for two years. He was then elected 
Prosecuting Attorney for Wayne County, Mich- 
igan, and in this office, in the prosecution of 
criminals, he soon achieved the most brilliant 
success, and won the highest position at the 
bar as a criminal lawyer. Although never a 
laborious student, or what is called a plodding 
lawyer, yet Gen. Stuart, by his consummate 
tact and shrewdness, by his masterly finesse 
and address in the cross-examination of wit- 
nesses, and by his clear and forcible and 
earnest style of forensic eloquence, was almost 
always successful; and criminals soon learned 
to feel that when Stuart was called upon to 
prosecute, that there was no chance of escape, 
save only in establishing their innocence. A 
more vigorous, successful and able criminal 
lawyer than David Stuart has rarely been 
found at any bar, and in this department, no 
man ever stood higher at the bar of Detroit 
than he did. With the manners and the 
courtesy and high breeding of an accom- 
plished gentleman, an address singularly fas- 
cinating and agreeable. Gen. Stuart, of course, 
soon became a popular man, in the true sense 
of the word ; and having, from his very youth, 
espoused the doctrines of the Democratic 
party, he soon became one of its idols. As a 
young man, and although opposed most ear- 
nestly in all his political aspirations by his 
father, who was a true and earnest Clay Whig, 
yet he mounted, step after step, the ladder of 
political preferment, until, in the year 1852, 
he was elected to Congress from the 1st Con- 
gressional District of Michigan, as successor 



114 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



to Uie Hon. E. J. Penniman. Stuart took his 
seat with the administration of Pierce; and, 
although he was never an industrious or la- 
borious working member, yet his talents, his 
genial and cordial address and manners, gave 
him great personal strength and popuhirity, 
and he made himself a successful member. 
Ere his term had expired, he determined to 
give up politics and go in earnest to the work 
ef the bar, and, accordingly, in 1855, be re- 
moved to Chicago, where lie soon became one 
■of the attorneys of the Illinois Central Rail- 
road Company, and where his consummate 
address and sagacity and his marked ability 
soon placed him among the very first at the 
bar of Chicago. Whatever may have been his 
faults and follies, no man ever heard David 
Stuart examine or cross-examine a witness — 
no man ever heard him address a court or jury 
— no man ever took him by the hand, that did 
not involuntarily pronounce him a man of the 
highest order of talent and of the most grace- 
ful address. No sooner had the rebellion 
broken out, than David Stuart, true to the 
instincts of his nature and the patriotic blood 
that flowed in his veins, threw aside his briefs 
and at once commenced raising a brigade, to 
be called after Senator Douglas, whose devoted 
and earnest friend he was. Circumstances of 
an unfortunate character had occurred at Chi- 
cago which, for a time, cast a cloud over his 
career ; and, acting under prejudices very 
natural, the press, the bar, and even the pub- 
lic, with few exceptions, interposed every ob- 
stacle and barrier to his success in raising, 



equipping and fitting-out theDouglasBrigade. 
This opposition and these obstacles only served 
to develop the heroism of the man, and. called 
into play the Scotch persistence of his nature. 
In spite of the unjust jeers of the press, in 
spite of the calumnies of the crowd nnd the 
taunts of his bi'ethren of the bar, David Stuart, 
by his own energies, with his own purse, by 
his talents, persistence and power, raised and 
put into the field the Douglas Brigade, con- 
sisting of two regiments of 1000 men each; 
and I venture to say, that finer regiments, 
better equipped or more thoroughly drilled, 
have not joined the ranks of the armies of the 
Union. 

July 22, 18G1, Stuart was elected Lieut. Col. 
of the 1st Douglas Regiment, known as the 
42d, Col. AVebb, and, October 31, was elected 
Colonel of the 2d Douglas (or 55th) Piegiment, 
which went into the field on the 5th of Decem- 
ber. Col. Stuart was in command of a brigade 
in Sherman's division at the battle of Shiloh, 
where he displayed soldierly qualities of the 
highest order and was severely wounded. Gen. 
W. T. Sherman, in his report, says: "My 2d 
brigade, Cal. Stuart, was detached near two 
miles from my headquarters. He had to fight 
his own battle on Sunday, as the enemy inter- 
posed between him and Gen. Prentiss early in 
the day. Col. Stuart was wounded severely, 
and yet reported for duty on Monday morn- 
ing." Col. Stuart has been constantly on duty 
with his regiment or brigade since he first took 
the field, and, on December 2d, 1862, was ap- 
pointed by the President a Brigadier General. 



COL. I>E]V]N^IS. 



Elias T. Dennis, Colonel 30th Regiment 
Illinois Volunteers, was born in Newburgh, 
Orange county, N. Y., December 29, 1812, 
and removed to Illinois in 1836. He settled 
in Carlyle, Clinton county, where he taught 
school for a year, and was then elected Clerk 
of the Circuit Court, which position he held 
for four years. In 1842, Mr. Dennis was 
elected to the Legislature, and in 1846 was 
elected a member of the State Senate. After 
his time expired, he became a heavy contrac- 
tor in the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. In 
1857, he was appointed by President Bu- 
eha,iian United States Marshal for Kansas 
Territory. At the call for troops to put down 
the rebellion of 1861, Mr. Dennis at once 
raised a company for the 30th Regiment, by 
whom he was elected Lieutenant Colonel, his 
commission dating from August 28, 1861. 



At Belmont, Lieut. Col. Dennis led the regi- 
ment into action in the most gallant manner, 
and was also in command of the 30th at Fort 
Donelson and in the severe battle of Shiloh. 
On the resignation of Col. Fouke, he was 
promoted to the Colonelcy, April 22, 1862. 
One of the most brilliant little battles of the 
war was fought at Britton's Lane, September 
2, 1862, between about four thousand of the 
enemy, under Gen. Armstrong, and less than 
half that number of our troops, commanded 
by Col. Dennis. His force consisted of the 
20th and 30ih Regiments Illinois Infantry, a 
battery of artillery, and one company of cav- 
alry. The engagement took place twelve miles 
southwest of Jackson and four miles south of 
the village of Denmark, and lasted for four 
hours, when the enemy was defeated and 
driven from the field witli a loss of above 
three hundred in killed and wounded. Col. 
Dennis displayed great ability and bravery 
throughout the contest. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



115 



OEIN". ]>XOISOAIV. 



Brigadier General James D. Morgan was 
"born in Boston, Mass., in 1810. At the age 
of 16 he went on board the ship Beverly, for 
a three years' trading voj'age around the 
world. When thirty days out, a mutiny arose 
among the crew, who took possession of the 
vessel, and soon afterwards she was burned 
at sea. Young Morgan, witli others who had 
taken no part in the mutiny, escaped from the 
burning ship in open boats, remaining for 
fourteen days out of sight of land, when they 
finally landed on the coast of Soutla America. 
After enduring the greatest hardships and 
privations he reached Boston, having been 
absent above six months. In 1834 he deter- 
mined to see the great West, and settled at 
Quincy, Illinois, where he engaged success- 
fully in business. At the commencement of 
the Mormon difficulties in 1844, he was Cap- 
tain of the Quincy Rifles, and was ordered 
with his company to Hancock county, to main- 
tain order, and to aid the authorities of the 
State in their efforts to quell the troubles. 
Again in 1845, Capt. Morgan was ordered to 
proceed to the Mormon countrj, and did good 
service in preserving peace. He was retained 
for several months in Hancock county on duty 
with the Rifles, remaining there during the 



continuance of the Mormon difficulties. At 
the time of the Mexican war he was still Cap- 
tain of the "Quincy Rifles," and Brig. Gen. 
Prentiss was 1st Lieutenant. Capt. Morgan, 
with his Company, joined the 1st Reg't 111. 
Vols., commanded by the gallant Hardin, and 
served during the campaign with honor. At 
the time of the battle of Buena Vista, lie was 
stationed at Saltillo, in command of two com- 
panies, and in obedience to orders from Gen. 
Taylor, held the post against a greatly superior 
force of the enemy. At the breaking out of 
the rebellion, Capt. Morgan and Lieut. Pren- 
tiss raised a regiment, of. which he became 
Lieut. Col., Prentiss commanding the regi- 
ment, known as the 7th. When the latter was 
appointed Brig. Gen., Morgan became Colonel 
of the regiment. At the expiration of their 
term of service, which was for three months, 
the 7th was mustered out. Col. Morgan then 
recruited and organized the 10th Regiment, 
was elected Colonel, and was stationed with 
his regiment at Cairo, Bird's Point, Paducah 
and New Madrid. Early in 18G2 he was pro- 
moted to a Brigadier General, and has been 
constantly in the field with his brigade since 
the date of his promotion. 



COL. BJLPiTLESOlV. 



Frederic A. Bartleson, Colonel of the 
100th Regiment 111. Volunteers, was born Nov. 
17th, 1833, at Cincinnati, Ohio. Very soon 
after his birth, his family removed to AVheel- 
ing, Virginia, where he resided until he re- 
moved to Joliet, in the spring of 1855. He 
was educated at Meadville College, and studied 
law w;th the Hon. Judge Vredenburg, of New 
Jersey. On his arrival in Joliet he began the 
practice of the law, and the year following, 
was elected District Attorney, which position 
he held for a period of four years. He enlisted 
in April, 1861 ; was the first volunteer; and 
was elected Captain of Co. A, in the gallant 
20th 111. Volunteers. He was in the battles of 
Fredericktown, Fort Henry and Fort Donelson. 
After the battle of Fort Donelson, he was pro- 



moted to Major (Feb. 15, 1862). At the battle 
of Shiloh, where he lost his left arm, some one 
remarked to him, "Your fighting is over." 
" No, indeed," said he; "I have one arm left!" 
On every battle-field he was distinguished for 
his gallantry and coolness, and before his 
wound was healed he returned to his regiment. 
Under the last call for troops, a regiment was 
formed in Will county, and Major Bartleson 
was elected Colonel. This regiment — the 100th 
— is now commanded by him, in Tennessee, 
under Major Gen. Rosecrons. 

His grandfather, Col. Philip Johnston^ fell 
in the first battle fought on Long Island in 
1776. Gen. Sullivan, who commanded, and 
was at his side when he fell, said: "Thus 
perished as brave an oflicer as ever commanded 
a battalion." 



116 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



COL. TXJR^lVEIl. 



Col. Thomas J. Turner was born in Trum- 
bull county, Ohio, on the 5th of April, 1815. 
His parents — Presbyterians of the strictest 
sect — were amongst the first settlers on what 
was known as the "Western Reserve." His 
earliest recollections are associated with "back- 
woods" scenes. The path which led through 
thick forests to the schoolhouse was frequently 
crossed by the bear, the wolf and the cata- 
mount, but, taught by his parents that the 
lives of little children, as well as all things 
else, were cared for by an allwise Providence, 
in company with two little sisters, he tripped 
fearlessly through the dark forest morning 
and evening to and from the log schoolhouse 
— occasionally, a bear would stop, look at 
them, and then pass on, confirming their faith 
in the doctrines taught them. Newspapers 
were unknown in their neighborhood, and his 
father's library consisted of the Bible, Brown's 
Catechism, Knox's Essays, Erskine's Sermons 
and Calvin's Institutes; the latter of which 
before he was eight years old he became pas- 
sionately fond of studying, and at the age of 
twelve was quite a theologian. 

Before he was ten years old, his father met 
with a reverse of fortune, and the family of 
eight children were turned out of doors to seek 
a precarious living from the day labor of his 
father, who had received permanent injuries 
in the war of 1812. Their struggles with 
poverty and sickness were of the severest 
kind, and were sustained only through the 
influence of that lofty Calvinistic faitli which 
lends a golden fringe to the darkest clouds. 

In March, 1833, having heard glowing de- 
scriptions of the prairies of the AVest, young 
Turner resolved to see them. (His family 
were then living in Butler co., Pennsylvania.) 
The resolution was no sooner formed than he 
prepared to put it in execution. He set out 
about the middle of March, and traveled on 
foot to Laporte, Indiana, where, by energy 
and hard labor, he succeeded in making some 
money, and, at the age of twenty-one, had the 
satisfaction of seeing his father comfortably 
settled on a farm in Lake county, Indiana. 
He then started out with only half a dollar in 
his pocket to seek a fortune for himself, landing 
in Illinois about the middle of May, 1833, at 



which time Chicago was a small village, sur- 
rounded on one side by the lake, and on the 
other by low marshes; and, as he came from 
the hilly district of Pennsylvania with the firm 
conviction that low wet lands were necessarily 
unhealthy, he returned to Laporte, where he 
resided until April, 1836, when he removed to 
the Winneshiek village, a deserted Indian town 
on the Pecatonica river, on the site of which 
the city of Freeport now stands. He there 
labored hard and was successful, when, in a 
single night, by the destruction of a mill he 
had just finished at great cost, he not only lost 
all his property, but was left several thousand 
dollars in debt. His schemes for making 
money having been thwarted by the fire, he 
gave up business entirely and turned his at- 
tention to the study of law, and in May, 1839, 
was admitted to the bar. In August, 1845, 
Gov. Ford sent him a commission as State's 
Attorney for the 6th Judicial Circuit. The 
northwestern portion of the State had for 
years been infested with a gang of thieves 
and robbers, numbering among them some of 
the most influential men of the county. The 
murder of the Campbells, the lynching of the 
DriscoUs, the midnight larcenies, and, finally, 
the shocking murdei» and robbery of Colonel 
Davenport at Rock Island in mid-day on the 
4th of July, had produced a state of general 
alarm and apprehension throughout the coun- 
try. In transmitting his commission, Gov. 
Ford warned him of the dangers he would 
incur, but expressed confidence in his courage 
and ability to bring the oS'enders to justice. 
The office was conferred upon him without 
his knowledge or procurement, and he readily 
accepted it. The records of the courts show 
how faithfully he executed the trust. While 
he was busily employed in the courts, the 
Democratic Congressional Convention for the 
6th District met at Rock Island, and nominated 
Mr. Turner as its candidate. James Knox, 
who afterwards so ably represented his dis- 
trict, was his competitor. They canvassed 
the district together, speaking in almost every 
township ; and, notwithstanding the canvass 
was spirited and sometimes exciting, they 
parted the best of friends. Mr. Turner was 
elected by a small majority. While a member 



SKETCHES OF JLLINOIS OFFICERS. 



117 



of tlie Thirtieth Congress, he took an active 
part in the debates upon the Mexican war, 
internal improvements, and the establishment 
of governments over the territories of Califor- 
nia and New Mexico. In a speech delivered 
February, 1849, he advocated the immediate 
organization of territorial governments over 
California and New Mexico, forever prohibit- 
ing slavery from these territories. A short 
time previously, a convention of the most emi- 
nent men of both political parties had assem- 
bled in the Senate chamber, and issued an 
address, setting forth the supposed grievances 
■of the South, and urging resistance and seces- 
sion if certain measures then pending in Con- 
gress should be persisted in. Mr. Turner 
thought their treasonable designs should be 
«xposed, but such was the bondage of party, 
that he found no encouragement from any 
quarter. Leading men of his party discour- 
aged discussion on the ground that it would 
distract and weaken the party. Nevertheless, 
having the jBioor on the territorial question, he 
briefly reviewed that address, drawing certain 
conclusions, which, at that time, were only 
foreshadowed, but, since then, have received 
the stamp of history. 

After his Congressional term closed, he re- 
sumed the practice of law, and continued to 
act steadily with the Democrats till the spring 
of 1854, though his influence with the party 
was greatly weakened on account of the views 
he had expressed in Congress on the subject 
of slavery, not only in the speech referred to, 
but also in an argument which he submitted 
on what was known as the Pachecca claim, in 
which he briefly reviewed the legal status of 
slavery in the United States. 

In the spring of 1854, Mr. Douglas intro- 
duced into the United States Senate the Kan- 
sas-Nebraska Bill, repealing the 8th section 
.of the Missouri Compromise, a measure which 
Mr. Turner regarded as mischievous in the 
•extreme, and he earnestly protested against 
tke measure being incorporated into the creed 
of Democratic faith, but he was emphatically 
teld that it was a Democratic measure, which 
he must support or leave the party. He chose 
the latter alternative. Shortly afterwards a 
, mass meeting was called to meet at Rockford, 
to which all parties opposed to the repeal of 
the Missouri Compromise were invited. The 
meeting was very numerously attended. A 



series of exceedingly ultra resolutions were 
reported to the meeting for its consideration, 
but they only promulgated principles, and did 
not provide for organized effort to carry them 
out. It was not the intention of the leaders 
in the movement to break up old parties, but 
to elbow off the odium of the Kansas-Nebraska 
Bill upon the dominant party. While the 
resolutions were under discussion, Mr. Turner 
matured a plan for a new political organiza- 
tion, which he offered as an amendment to the 
resolutions: that they should assume the name 
Republican ; that they would support no man 
for office. State or^ National, who would not 
eschew old party ties and connexions, and 
adopt the name and principles enumerated in 
the resolutions. The amendment struck terror 
to divers politicians, whcf quietly crept away 
from the meeting, while the amendment was 
adopted with vociferous acclamation. This , 
was the germ from which sprung the Republi- 
can party. The New York papers noticed 
the meeting and recommended the name, and 
from that day the party grew with amazing 
rapidity. At the fall elections of that year 
he was elected a member of the House of 
Representatives in the State Legislature, and 
on the meeting of that body he was chosen 
Speaker, and discharged the duties of that 
ofiice to the satisfaction of all parties. 

In 1856, Mr. Turner was selected as one of 
the Delegates at Large to the National Repub- 
lican Convention, but could not be present at 
the meeting of the Convention on account of 
ill health. In February, 1861, he was ap- 
pointed one of the Delegates to what has been 
denominated the "Peace Convention." The 
design of that Convention was that the Border 
States should consult together, and, if possi- 
ble, recommend some measures of reconcilia- 
tion between the North and the South. Party 
spirit, however, ran as high in that body as 
it did in Congress, and for two days before 
the final vote was taken upon the resolutions, 
he knew that Illinois would have the casting 
vote and that he held the casting vote in the 
State Delegation. He spent those two days 
in earnest effort to learn what duty and patri- 
otism required him to do. He finally voted 
in favor of submitting certain resolutions to 
Congress, with a recommendation that that 
body should submit them to a vote of the 
people of the several States as amendments to 



118 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



the Constitution, For that vote, Mr. Tui'ner Col. Turner having spent much labor and a 

has been severely censured by the ultra press ^-'^''gc portion of his pay in order to secure 

J i-i- • n ,, . TT , that state of things. On the 23d of October, 

and politicians of the country. He, however, -.q,., n u * • ,,.,....'' 

^ J ) ' lobl, Oen. Hunter organized his division into- 

has never for a moment regretted casting liis two brigades, and, as the ranking officer under 

vote as he did: he comprehended fully the him, Col. Turner was assigned the command 

magnitude of the war which was then pending of the 1st brigade. November 3, Gen. Hunter 

^„„„ n,„ „^ ( 1 TV having assumed command of the Department 

over the country and our unprepared condi- *• -.r- • i i ii- ■ j ^ 

•' ^ ' 01 Missouri, he succeeded him in command of 

tion to meet it. Moreover, he had strong of the 1st division. His initiation into the 

reasons for believing that if that Convention command was somewhat of a trying character, 

had not assembled, Mr. Lincoln would not ^? ?™^i' ^° ^'^^'^^ water, he had to march the 



have been inaugui-ated at Washington ; and 



division twenty-four miles, wliich, for so large 

a command, was a very hard 'day's march. 

If it had not voted as it did, Maryland would They did not arrive in camp till after dark, 

have been lost to the Union, and Washington and the men had scarcely cooked their supper 

would have fallen into the hands of the rebels. '■''^^^^ ^ courier arrived from Springfield with 

m 1 • 1 AT rn orders to move forward rapidlv and reach 

The war having commenced, Mr. Turner q • c 1 1 -^ ui u • ' 

*= ' bpringfield, if possible, by sunrise next morn- 

resolved to enter the army. AVhen the first ing. The distance to be traveled was thirty 
call was made for three months troops, he miles. Col. T. at once took up his line of 
was in Washington, but hastened to Spring- march; the night was dark; the road hilly. 



field with the view of getting command of one 



and washed into gullies by heavy rains, so 
that it was with difficulty he could move his 
of the regiments then being organized, but artillery; but, at nine o'clock next morning, 
was too late, the officers of those regiments the head of the column was within three miles 
having been already designated. On the 14th °f Springfield, having marched fifty miles in 
of May, 1861, he was elected Colonel of the 
15th Regiment Illinois Volunteers over Capt. 
(now Maj. Gen.) S. A. Hurlbut, and on the 



twenty-five hours, halting only two hours on 
the way. From Springfield, he marched his 
division back to Tipton — from Tipton to Syra- 
cuse — then back to Tipton — from Tipton to 
Lamine Bridge — from Lamine to Sedalia — 
from Sedalia back to Lamine, and from La- 
mine to Jetfersou City, where, on the 12th of 
mustered into the service for three years or February, 1862, the division was broken up. 
during the war. In June, Col. Turner was During Col. Turner's command of the 1st di- 
ordered with his regiment to Alton, where he '^^'si."", his forces had several skirmishes, in 
„ 1 , . , „ ^ • . which they took prisoners and property, but 

w^as placed in command oi a camp of instruc- j-j . » -.i * i • i u 

^ f ^ did not meet with any encounter which could 

tion, consisting of four regiments of infantry, be dignified with the njime of a battle. 

a battery, and two companies of cavalry. On In February, 1862, Col. Turner was ordered 



24th of May, the 15th was mustered into the 
service, being the first regiment in Illinois 



the 4th of July, he was visited by Piev. Dr. 
Bellows, Chairman of the National Sanitary 
Committee, who inspected the camp. In his 



to Fort Donelsori, but, owing to storms and 
fogs, the regiment was delayed on the river, 
and did not reach there till two hours after 
the surrender. While at Fort Donelson, he 



report to' the Secretary of War, he highly was attacked with pneumonia, and sent home 
commended the sanitary condition of his camp insensible. His recovery was slow; but, on 
and the discipline of the troops under his com- *''« fo"!"* day after leaving his bed, he set 
mand. Soon after. Major (now Gen.) Marcy, o"^. to rejoin his regiment, arriving at Pitts- 
of the regular army, reviewed his command ^urg Landing in a weak and almost helpless 
by regiments. He also reported favorably in condition on the night of Tuesday, the 8th of 
regard to the discipline and drill of the troops, ^Pi"''- ^^^'■^^- ^ol- Ellis and Major Goddard, 
every regiment of which he reported ready together with many other brave officers and 
and fitted to take the field. On the 18Lh of ™^"' ^^"^ ^'^^^^^ °^ ^^^^ bloody field of Shiloh, 
July, the 15th was ordered to St. Charles, gloi'iously sustaining the honor of the 15th. 
Missouri; from thence it marched to Mexico; Two hundred and forty-two officers and men 
thence to Hannibal; thence down the river to ^" '^^^^ regiment were killed and wounded, 
Jefferson Barracks; thence to Jefferson City; ^^^ 0"^^ ""^"^ ™"" missing. Col. Turner as- 
and then to Tiplon. In forming the army of ^"™^<^ command of what remained of the reg- 
Missouri, Maj. Gen. Hunter was assigned the i™^"'' ^"* ^'^^ ''^^^^^^^ s°°^ g^^° ^^^y' ^^^ ^® 
command of the 1st division, and CoL Turner's ''''"■^^ ^S'^m sent home. A second time he re- 
regiment was assigned to his command. The *"i-ned and took command of the regiment. 



official statement of Gen. Fremont will show 
that when tlie I5th arrived at Tipton, it was 
better supplied with transportation and equip- 
r ;nts than any other regiment in that army, 



only to be again prostrated by disease. On 
the 25th day of October he tendered his resig- 
nation on account of ill health, which was 
accepted on the 2d of November, 1862. 




■^■^^Si-"^:^ -'^i^^sf^-vro:^ 



COL. RAFFEN. 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



119 



COL. R^AFFEIV. 



The subject of this notice is the eldest son 
of Alexander Raffen, a well known and worthy 
resident of Chicago, whose burly and majestic 
form may be seen in our streets, driving along 
in his wagon at a jog-trot pace, and at the 
same time burning his idol as devoted as a 
Buddhist worshipper, with a bonhomie truly 
pleasing to witness, — portraying the man of an 
old Scottish type, whose pride lies deep hidden 
beneath the crust of an honest and social heart, 
which wells up in deeds of honor and kindli- 
ness as occasion calls it forth. He came to 
Chicago in 1850, three years before there was 
a plumber doing business in the city, and 
work then was so limited and trifling, that he 
left his family and went to Milwaukee for 
some time, so as to procure for them a proper 
subsistence. He might be properly styled 
the father of Chicago plumbers — being the 
first and one of the best now in that needful 
and flourishing trade. His ardent love for 
the Union and Government has sent forth two 
of his three sturdy sons to do battle for the 
holy cause. "May he be long looked upon, 
and may his shadow never grow less !" 

Lt. Col. Alexander W. Raffen first beheld 
the light of day in the royal burgh town of 
Cupar, Fifeshire, Scotland, on the \^th day of 
September, 1831 — a city whose manufactures 
comprise coarse linens, bricks and earthen- 
ware. At one time, a fortress of the Macdufl's, 
thanes of Fife, stood on a mound called the 
Castle Hill, at the east end of the city. In its 
museum may be seen Norman Leslie's dagger, 
that dealt the deathblow to Archbishop Sharpe, 
who was riding in his coach through Magus 
muir, on his way from the city of St. Andrews. 
It is a lovely situated spot, with the river Eden 
flowing through its centre. Young Rafl'en 
e<^joyed these surroundings for seven years, 
when his father, with his wife and family, 
moved to the town of Arbroath, from whose 
harbor can be seen the rolling billows of the 
German Ocean and the white edifice of the Bell 
Rock Lighthouse, standing out in angry foam 
as an angel of light to guide the mariner in 
his course. In the academy of this town he 
received his education, and had the honor of 

8 



obtaining a prize for his proficiency and be- 
havior, which turned out to be " The Life of 
the Duke of Wellington:" surely, by its de- 
lightful perusal and mastering of its themes, 
foreshadowing in the boy the future of the 
man. May not this early biographical history 
tend to become useful now in leading his com- 
mand to victory, by the sage advice of a warrior 
of a former age. 

Col. Raflfen came to the United States in 
1849, and in 1853, commenced business with 
his father in Chicago, in which he still retains 
an interest. At the organization of the Chi- 
cago Highland Guard, he was elected Ensign, 
and shortly afterwards 1st Lieutenant, and 
remained in that position until the Rebellion 
broke out, when he was elected Captain, and 
proceeded with his company to Springfield on 
the 21st day of April, 1861. After being in 
State service one month, they were mustered 
into the United States service in the 19th 
Regiment Illinois Volunteers. He was with 
the regiment in its travels through Missouri, 
Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. In the 
spring of 1862, when Col. Turchin was at 
Tuscumbia, Ala., he was left to guard the 
bridges on the railroad leading to that point, 
and by his watchfulness and bravery, suc- 
ceeded in saving a bridge with 54 men when 
attacked by over 300 rebels, compelling them 
to retreat after losing their leader. When the 
position of Lieut. Colonel became vacant, he 
was appointed to that ofiice by Gov. Yates, on 
the recommendation of nearly all the ofiicers 
with the regiment. When his fi*ends in Chi- 
cago heard of his promotion, they presented 
him with a handsome sword, bolt, field glass 
and shoulder straps, as a token of esteem — 
a token of which tlie Col. is proud to wear. 
He was at the battle of Stone River, and in 
command of the regiment after Col. Scott was 
wounded. 

The battle-worn flag of the gallant 19th has 
been laid aside, and is now in the Chicago 
Historical Society's keeping — its torn and 
battered folds speaking silently of the fierce 
contests encountered. The following corre- 
spondence relative to the new colors explains 



120 



SKETCHES OF ILLINOIS OFFICERS. 



itself. They were presented on parade by 
Lieut. Bell on behalf of the donors, and re- 
ceived by Lieutenant Colonel Raffen, amid the 
enthusiastic cheers of the " boys " of the 
regiment. 

Headquarters 19th Illinois Infantry, \ 
MuRFREESBORO, Tenn., Feb. 20, 1863. J 

General Orders, No. 3. 

Lieut. Col. A. W. Raffen, commanding 19th Regiment Illi- 
nois Infantry : 

Sir, — While in Chicago, on leave, I received at the 
hands of a number of the citizens a new and elegant 
stand of colors, with instructions to present them to the 
regiment as " the gift of the citizens of Chicago to the 
gallant old Nineteenth;" and, although highly gratified 
with the unity of public opinion, in Chicago, in regard 
to the regiment, I felt doubly honored in thus being se- 
lected as the medium through which they manifested 
their high appreciation of our regiment. 

Allow me, then. Colonel, to respectfully present these 
flags "as the gift of the citizens of Chicago to the old 
Nineteenth." 

I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obed't serv't, 
Lieut. V. BRADFORD BELL, 

19th m. 



Headqrs. 19th III. Infantrt, \ 
Mdrfeeesboro, Feb. 21st, 1863. j 

Lieut. V. Bradford Bell, \9th Illinois : 

Sir, — It is with feelings of pride and gratitude that I 
receive, through you, this testimonial of the good opinion 
of the citizens of Chicago. Gratitude to those noble peo- 
l,\e who wish to cheer the soldier's heart, and remind 



him that he is not forgotten, and pride, that after all the 
calumny and abuse which has been heaped upon us, our 
friends and fellow citizens of Chicago are still proud of 
us, still remember us and vindicate our good name. 

In behalf of the regiment, I assure you, and through 
you, our friends in Chicago, of our heartfelt thanks, and 
that these flags shall never be disgraced, but always 
borne with honor. They will be prized, not only on 
account of being the emblems of our nationality, but as 
presented by those we hold most dear — " Our friends at 
home." 

Allow me to remind the citizens of Chicago, that, while 
our duty consists in fighting traitors in uniforms (and 
we are willingly and cheerfully performing it), that they 
have a duty to perform, not less clear and obligatory, 
that of fighting traitors at home. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

ALEX. W. RAFFEN, 
Lieut. Col. Comd'g. 

The above correspondence is published In orders, for 
the information of the regiment, the citizens of Chicago, 
and others concerned. 

By command of Lieut. Col. ALEX. W. RAFFEN. 

L. G. Barns, Ist Lieut, and Adj't. 

In April, 1856, Col. Raffen was married to 
Miss Grace Brown, daughter of the late 'Squire 
Brown, of Niles, Cook county, Illinois, which 
union has been blessed with three children ; 
and the youngest prattler, while imitating 
the other two in their daily prayers to the 
throne of grace, invokes the strong arm of 
God to shield her father from the deadly mis- 
siles of the foe. b. 






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